Fusion economics: power density, materials and maintenance

A review of prior magnetic d-t fusion power plant (FPP) studies reveals consistent patterns of high fusion power density and effective materials replacement. In order to assess the relative impact of plasma and component design a set of governing relationships that generically solve for optimizing FPP economics are developed, with component usage driven by cumulative neutron damage. Scans of the controlling parameters reveal minimum requirements in power density that are in general agreement with prior studies. Yet the transparent economic model reveals further surprising insights as to the relative importance of power density, neutron tolerance, energy conversion efficiency and financing costs.