Pilot FFHR based on a RFP as a fusion core

Studies are in progress in order to revisit the status and the potentiality of the Reversed Field Pinch (RFP) as a fusion core in FFHR, taking into account: (i) the recent progress in RFP physics brought by the results of RFXmod (R=2, a=0.46, Ip=2MA), mainly about MHD modes control, (ii) the expected performance improvements resulting from the ongoing upgrade of the machine. To cover the gap between the existing experiments and the hybrid reactor, according to the strategy emerged in FUNFI3, an intermediate step with a FFHR pilot experiment in which a RFP is the neutron fusion source is proposed. Three different categories of issues are considered which require the assessment of: o the RFP physics and the scaling laws at increased level of current and machine size; o the technologies allowing increased RFP performances and continuous operation; o a test bench for a hybrid blanket, combining Tritium production and fission reactions. In order to optimize the pilot experiment approach in terms of cost reduction, best use of the step-by-step acquired knowledge and clear milestones towards the realization of a low power FFHR, a staged approach with increased complexity and investment is introduced [1]. In the proposed pilot FFHR the aim is the production of D-T fusion power with a RFP configuration (P~30MW, Q~0.4, continuous pulsed operation) and testing the blanket with limited fission fuel. The overall strategy of this approach and the details for each stage of the plant requirements, the tackled issues and the expected results in order to pass to the next phase will be presented in the talk.