The light water reactor (LWR) and coal technologies best satisfy the applicable criteria and thus were included in the final list of technologies to be compared with the SPS. Only one technology, terrestrial photovoltaics (TPV), meets the special criterion (No. 6) established to provide for a direct comparison of photovoltaics in space and terrestrial applic at ions. The combined-cycle system had the highest rating of the three advanced coal systems and thus was selected for the comparative assessment. The liquid-metal, fast-breeder reactor (LMFBR), although controversial, has great potential, is close to demonstration, and has received worldwide backing; it was thus included in the comparative assessment. Fusion is a technology of high scientific interest and potential. Therefore, it was selected to fill a position as a baseload alternative, even though DOE's Fusion Review Panel has stated that a date for a commercially competitive prototype reactor cannot now be established. 3.2 BRIEF TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE GENERATION SYSTEMS The characteristics of each of the alternative generation systems have been derived primarily through a synthesis of data and information obtained from available technical literature. The best self-contained system characterizations available in single documents were chosen as primary data sources. Where deficiencies were noted, available supplemental material was obtained or input from reviewers was solicited. In most cases, the available data are for nominal systems that differ in some respects from the reference alternatives chosen for comparison. Usually, these differences are a result of varying assumptions about system generating capacity, cooling type, or, in some cases, even the site or fuel characteristics. Thus, in some cases, the reference characterizations required engineering judgment to adjust data to the system capacities and basic assumptions being used. The subsequent analyses are generally not sensitive to small variations in the system parameters derived in this • fashion. However, the analysis is broad enough to allow reasonable conclusions to be drawn. The parameters addressed in the system characterizations include those that relate to the physical system design and operating factors, capital and operating costs, reliability and availability, resource requirements, and environmental residuals. Table 3.3 briefly summarizes the characterization parameters for the technologies. Studies conducted by TRW^ and United Engineers and Constructors^ provide the basis for the non-SPS technical, environmental, and cost characterizations summarized in the following sections of this chapter. 3.2.1 Satellite Power System The satellite power system characterization is based on data available in the SPS CDEP Reference System Report,supplemented by additional studies
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