Diagnostics and control of fusion-fission hybrid tokamak-based reactors: The technology for measurement systems

A fusion-fission hybrid (FFH) reactor is a complex machine, which includes a tokamak fusion neutron source and two blankets: the tritium regeneration and the actinide burner zones. These three systems need their own diagnostics and controls. Problems associated with the implementation and integration of control systems call for a simplified technology. In this paper, the criteria determining the diagnostics needs of FFH reactors are reviewed bearing in mind the requirement that the measurements systems should be simple and robust, and their number be limited, considering the space occupied by the blankets. The diagnostics for the tokamak neutron source, including the machine protection and burn control are among the basic equipment. As the fusion and fission blankets can be integrated in a single subsystem their diagnostics must be conceived as an integrated package that includes the means for measuring isotope content, neutron multiplication and effective reactivity of the fission blanket, as well as tritium regeneration in the breeding blanket. The most recent technological developments the field of neutron spectroscopy for fusion and fission blankets are presented, including the diamond and self-powered neutron detectors technology.