Fusion equipment

Description

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is starting a market engagement process to engage with potential prime contractors and subassembly manufacturers of a new Module Test Facility (MTF). The MTF’s objectives are to simulate conditions inside of a fusion machine. The primary test parameters will be: — very high heat flux conditions (20 MW/m2 surface power density in localised areas of ~1500 mm2) with extremely rapid changes in temperature, — extremely powerful, rapidly changing magnetic fields (1 T to 0 T, dB/dt~20 T/s), — simultaneous testing of heat and electromagnetic parameters. Where possible, we seek to maximum use of commercially available, “off the shelf” products. For further details, please access documentation at: http://www.ccfe.ac.uk/TenderDocs.aspx?DocName=UKAEA_MTF_Market_Enquiry_v7.zip Introduction: The UKAEA’s mission is to lead the commercial development of fusion power and related technology and position the UK as a leader in sustainable nuclear energy. Based at Culham Science Centre near Oxford, UKAEA lead the UK fusion research programme and operate the Joint European Torus (JET) experiment on behalf of scientists from 28 European countries. We are keeping the UK at the forefront of fusion as the world comes together to build the first reactor-scale experiment, ITER — the next step towards electricity from fusion. Along the way, UKAEA is securing benefits for industry and helping to introduce advanced technology and develop skills in the wider nuclear sector. Delivering in many of these areas will require the testing of components in the harsh environment expected in a fusion power station (e.g. high temperature, in vacuum, high heat flux and magnetic fields). An GBP 86 000 000 Government investment in UKAEA's fusion programme has been announced which will fund the building and operation of technology and tritium facilities at Culham Science Centre, expected to open in 2021. The new Fusion Technology Facilities will house the MTF. The MTF will be designed to test components under combined thermal, mechanical, hydraulic and magnetic loads — representative of the conditions expected in a future fusion power station. UKAEA are seeking to engage with potential suppliers to inform the definition of MTF. This market enquiry relates to the design and manufacture of the test facility as a single supply. The UKAEA is requesting suppliers with experience of design and manufacture of similar systems to advise on suitable technical options, their feasibility, manufacturing processes and associated costs and lead times. Scope of enquiry: The purpose of this enquiry is for the UKAEA to assess technical options for the realisation of the MTF, their feasibility, manufacturing processes and associated costs and lead times. Information is sought both from both potential prime contractors, and sub-assembly manufacturers. The information provided in response to this enquiry will be used to inform the generation of a technical specification for the design, manufacture and delivery of the MTF, which will be part of a future competitive call for tender. The enquiry concerns the test facility design and manufacture but does not consider the buildings in which the test facility will reside. Design information: Key requirements: The MTF will be a unique component loading machine, designed to test components in the simultaneous extreme temperature, heat flux and electromagnetic conditions that will be experienced in a future fusion power reactor. The key requirements are: 1. Thermal-hydraulic testing: — large component samples, roughly ~1 m scale, — 1-sided surface heat source capable of 0.1-1 MW/m2 over 1 m2 (testing under vacuum conditions or in-air), — 20 MW/m2 surface power density in localised areas of ~1500 mm2 area (testing in vacuum only), — high thermal gradient laterally and longitudinally, — in-vacuum thermal cycling, — high level of instrumentation (surface and subsurface temperature, localised tri-axial strain, pressure, flow, etc), — water cooling up to 200 ºC, 15 bar or up to 320 ºC, 150 bar. 2. Electromagnetic testing: — static magnetic field “Bx” of >2.5 T over ~1 m sample size, — magnetic impulse testing — fast varying field “By” (x orthogonal to y), from 1 T to 0 T, dB/dt~20 T/s, with full static Bx field applied simultaneously, — high level of instrumentation — measurement of induced component loads and strain, induced currents and voltages. 3. Simultaneous combined application of the above magnetic, heating and thermal-hydraulic loads.