Abstract
cost and performance analysis of a spherical torus-based volume neutron source (ST-VNS) is performed using
the SUPERCODE systems code. An ST-VNS, proposed as a reduced-cost option for testing the nuclear technologies
necessary for tokamak power reactors, will cost about 25% of the construction cost of the International Thermonuclear
Experimental Reactor Engineering Design Activities (ITER-EDA) when it is operating in an initial test phase
with 0.5 MW m 2 wall load. Advanced operation at 5 MW m 2 wall load is possible with surface elongation k 3,
safety factor q95 10, confinement enhancement factor H 2.3, and Troyon beta limit bN 5%, at a direct cost of
about 30% that of the ITER-EDA. There is a narrow region bN and H space which is useful for attaining high
neutron wall loads.
