In a comprehensive review published in Energy, researchers led by Prof. GUO Bin from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have systematically analyzed heat extraction and power conversion pathways for fusion power plants, providing an integrated framework for efficient fusion energy-to-electricity conversion.

Fusion power plants generate thermal energy over a wide temperature range, mainly from the blanket, divertor, and vacuum vessel, with outlet temperatures spanning from about 150 °C to above 1,000 °C, depending on reactor concepts and coolant choices. Effectively converting this distributed, multi-grade heat into electrical power remains one of the key challenges to the commercialization of fusion energy.

This study is the first systematic review to examine both primary heat transfer systems and energy conversion systems (ECS) in fusion power plants, combining previously fragmented studies into a unified analytical framework. The researchers summarized recent progress, identified major technical and engineering challenges, and proposed integrated solution pathways for efficient and reliable fusion power conversion.

They reviewed and compared major primary heat transfer technologies, analyzing their coupling with downstream power cycles. Different energy conversion options were evaluated in terms of thermal efficiency, exergy losses, operational flexibility, and fusion-specific constraints, including neutron irradiation, tritium management, and material compatibility.

Unlike previous studies that treat heat extraction and power generation separately, this review emphasizes system-level integration, demonstrating that temperature mismatches between reactor components and power cycles can lead to significant exergy losses and reduced overall efficiency. Design and operational experience from major international fusion programs is also synthesized to link conceptual designs with long-pulse operational practice.

This study provides an integrated framework to support the development of high-efficiency and reliable fusion power plants, according to the team.