Ward, Oliver MG;
Fraga, Eric S;
Galvanin, Federico;
Jurado, Nelia;
Blackburn, Daniel;
Warren, Robert J;
Acres, Jack;
(2025)
A dynamic model of a power conversion system with indirect thermal energy storage for a pulsed fusion tokamak for use in design optimisation.
Fusion Engineering and Design
, 219
, Article 115289. 10.1016/j.fusengdes.2025.115289.
(In press).
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Galvanin_FusionEngDes Paper - Revised.pdf - Accepted Version Access restricted to UCL open access staff until 4 July 2026. Download (6MB) |
Abstract
This work addresses the challenge of designing a power conversion system, which converts thermal energy into electrical energy, that can handle heat generation from a pulsed fusion tokamak. Large transients would be damaging for components such as turbomachinery and make grid integration difficult. Energy storage is considered as a solution to buffer the impact of the tokamak dynamics on power generation. A dynamic model is presented of a possible power conversion system design using sensible thermal energy storage, implemented in the Modelica modelling language. Novel lumped-parameter dynamic models, based on the logarithmic mean temperature difference, are developed for both one- and two-phase heat exchangers. The models are then used for two optimisation-based design problems: a single objective optimisation problem for steady state turbine power and a bi-objective optimisation problem that allows for reduced power generation during a tokamak dwell when no heat is being generated. The optimisation problems are solved using the Fresa.jl meta-heuristic plant propagation algorithm and a multi-agent system allowing for the cooperation of different fitness ranking methods. Both case studies show the dynamic models are robust and fast enough for use in this optimisation framework, and demonstrate the potential of simulation–optimisation in the design of prototype fusion power plants with pulsed operation.
| Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Title: | A dynamic model of a power conversion system with indirect thermal energy storage for a pulsed fusion tokamak for use in design optimisation |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.fusengdes.2025.115289 |
| Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fusengdes.2025.115289 |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions. |
| Keywords: | Balance of plant, CYCLES, Fusion power, IMPACT, Modelica, MOLTEN-SALT, Nuclear Science & Technology, Optimisation, PLANT, Power conversion system, Science & Technology, SIMULATION-OPTIMIZATION, STEP, Technology |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science > Dept of Chemical Engineering UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science > Dept of Mechanical Engineering |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10211509 |
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