Evaluation of the ARC fusion reactor-driven sustainable integrated energy systems for non-electrical outputs

Asal Ş., Acir A.

Energy, vol.327, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 327
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.136369
  • Journal Name: Energy
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, Environment Index, INSPEC, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Public Affairs Index, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: ARC fusion reactor, Desalination, Hydrogen production, Integrated system, Nuclear fusion, Sustainability
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This presented study aims to create a novel perspective on the use of fusion energy to meet the demands of humanity, designing a thermochemical cycle for the Affordable Robust Compact (ARC) fusion reactor and investigating non-electrical useful outputs, modeling integrated energy systems driven by a fusion reactor. Three different cases are developed and analyzed within the scope of this study. All cases are driven by the Affordable Robust Compact fusion reactor. While Case A includes only the open feedwater Rankine cycle, Case B consists of the three-step magnesium chlorine cycle as well to examine the hydrogen production potential. Finally, Case C includes the Affordable Robust Compact fusion reactor-driven open feedwater Rankine cycle, the three-step magnesium chlorine cycle, and two different desalination units, such as the multi-effect desalination and reverse osmosis to examine the potential of hydrogen and freshwater production. All cases are investigated using energy and exergy approaches. As a result, Case A has the highest overall energy and exergy efficiencies, with 39.86% and 59.68%, respectively. Case B produces 1.49 kg/s of hydrogen, whilst Case C generates 3832.2 tons/h of freshwater and 1.24 kg/s of hydrogen using all thermal energy that comes from the Affordable Robust Compact fusion reactor.