Mohamed Khalid Elsharif Mohamed, Alasdair Burchill, Liviu Maatescu, Emrah Yıldırım, Jonathan Naish, Matthew Robinson, Vandeep Bharatbhai Godhani, Samara M. Levine, Sandeep Irukuvarghula, C.L. Wilson, Ivan Krastev, Robin Kamenický, Abhishek Kumar
Abstract A comprehensive analysis of the thermal management and net-power performance is presented for the ST-E1 low aspect ratio tokamak fusion power plant. The study addresses the critical interplay between coolant system design, power cycle integration, and electrical loads, which significantly influence net-power projections and overall plant viability. Specifically, it quantifies the impact of coolant loop design, pressure drops, pumping power, and thermal storage on plant efficiency, and examines the conditions required to achieve the pilot-phase net power target of 300–500 MWe. The findings provide insight into the system-level trade-offs that govern fusion plant viability and inform pathways toward improved net-power performance.