Fig. 2-14 A cut-away view of ITER

Table 2-1 The 7 main engineering R& D items and the related international organizations

The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Engineering Design Activity (EDA) was initiated in July 1992 for a period of 6 years, and the Joint Central Team completed the detailed design in Dec. 1996. The system integration has been improved based on the comments of the 4 parties (Japan, USA, EU, Russia) that participated in the Interim Design Report issued in July, 1995. Construction, assembling and operation scenarios have been considered in depth, and safety analyses have been performed, including quantitative estimates of the environmental impact of radioactivity. The 7 main R&D items shown in Table 2-1 have been organized, and system integration has been improved based on the R&D databases. It has become clear that there is some flexibility allowed by the compatible operation conditions of the core plasma and the heat exhaust system. A comprehensive safety and environmental assessment has recently been completed. This assessment included consideration of the radiological release and effluent from all possible normal operation conditions and accidents, as well as waste management and decommissioning, and the effects on the public and on site workers. The assessment found that ITER will meet all of the safety-related guidelines that were recommended by IAEA-ICRP. The fusion reactor will be very safe. The EDA activity on the final design will be continued until July, 1998.

Reference The ITER Detailed Design Report, Cost Review and Safety Analysis, IAEA (1997).

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