Nuclear Fusion Reactors Fuel Cycles

Nuclear fusion reactors also have their own fuel cycles. The major one is the fuel cycle based on deuterium and tritium (D–T). The reason for this is the higher fusion reaction cross-section of this fuel compared to other fusion fuels. The next options are deuterium and helium-3 (D-3He), which are much better than other reactions after deuterium and tritium, respectively. Most current experimental fusion devices use a mix of deuterium and tritium as fuel. Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen with a half-life of 12.3 years. As a result of the fusion reaction, neutrons are released, which impact and are absorbed by the wall surrounding the reactor core, making it radioactive. The neutrons react with lithium contained in the wall, generating tritium that can then be reinjected into the machine. However, fusion and fission facilities do share some similarities, such as in how radioactive material is handled and how cooling systems are used. In this chapter, we will discuss the types of fusion fuels, blankets including solid and liquid breeders, tritium production and management, and the fuel cycle of fusion-fission hybrid reactors.