Parametric cost analysis for tandem-mirror reactors similar to WITAMIR-I

The recently completed tandem mirror reactor study, WITAMIR-I, contains a detailed cost analysis at a reference point. Motivated by the existence of that analysis a model is developed to obtain the dependence of cost on the most important variables. Reactor parameters are varied using POWBAL, an equilibrium power balance code. Then, POWBAL output plus cost parameters are fed into the subroutine COST. The analysis is limited to configurations similar to WITAMIR-I, expanding costs about the reference point. This is a simplified model that allows for parametric studies without necessitating the detailed evaluation done for the reference design. It is useful in setting design parameters that minimize the cost of electricity as well as in analyzing the relative importance of the different parts of the plant.