Optimal scheduling model to minimize tritium inventory level in fuel cycle of tritium plant

Abstract

This paper proposes an optimization model for the scheduling of the fuel cycle of a fusion power plant. The objective of the problem is to minimize the tritium working inventory in the Isotope Separation System under periodic demand, thereby solving problems associated with high inventories. The model is formulated as a mixed integer nonlinear programming problem based on the state-task network approach. The proposed model is applied to inductive, hybrid, and non-inductive tokamak operation modes. With proposed case studies, the model is expected to provide many useful insights to determine the optimum scheduling results providing information on flow pattern, flow rate, and flow timing between equipment while minimizing tritium working inventory.