Task 1

Task 1.1: System Efficiency of Accelerator Concepts

For many applications several accelerator schemes and concepts are available to achieve similar goals. For example an electron ring collider can be realised with synchrotrons, but also with energy recovery linacs. While the latter ones would need higher investments, they can operate at lower wall plug power. Similarly proton driver accelerators for neutron or neutrino sources can be realised in different ways. Task 1.1 aims at assessing the overall systems efficiencies of different accelerator concepts for a set of core applications, evaluating the trade-off between performance, investments, operation as well as sustainability. A metrics for measuring the efficiency of accelerators (e.g. conversion of grid power in beam power, collider COP factor, luminosity per energy), will be developed, allowing to compare and benchmark different concepts and generic accelerator schemes for different applications. This task will also attempt to consider system efficiencies using novel accelerator technologies, such as plasma wakefield acceleration, which might be utilized for dedicated purposes in certain accelerator schemes in the not so distant future.

Task 1.2: Key Technologies and Components for High Efficiency

Many technologies are relevant for the overall efficiency of an accelerator driven research infrastructure. Task 1.2 will assess the relevance of particular technologies in typical applications and will identify important R&D directions together with their challenges and opportunities. In particular a quantitative assessment of the achievable gains for certain technologies is desirable. A review of best practices from different accelerator facilities will be performed as part of the study. Technologies not considered in previous ARIES and EUCARD activities include for example the integration of renewable energy sources like PV for the supply of RI’s, high efficiency power converters, power quality compensators, efficient cooling circuits or phase stabilized magnetrons.

Task 1.3: Cross Linking of Accelerator Facilities and Technologies with Industrial Approaches

Sustainability is an important aspect for modern industries to realise their facilities and their products. Furthermore, industries have to adapt to changes related to sustainable energy production. Task 1.3 will explore the application of concepts developed for industry to the field of accelerator research infrastructures and vice versa. A larger fraction of sustainable energy sources in the overall energy mix will result in a varying supply situation on the grid. Potential application of accelerator technologies in concepts aiming for a stabilization of the power grid will be studied. Energy intensive industries are studying mitigation measures to optimize their cost of energy, which typically also results in a better compatibility with public interests. This may include the application of energy storage and backup power stations, or dynamic operation concepts to adapt the consumption of a large facility to the supply situation on the grid. The applicability of such concepts to accelerator facilities will be verified. Another field are heat recovery systems and the use of heat pumps to utilize low temperature sources. This activity should identify synergies with industrial developments that can be adapted to the special needs of accelerators. Ideally, connections should be established to relevant industrial partners that can be utilized for concrete accelerator projects.

Task 1.4: Ecological Concepts

Today a range of ecological concepts are established that may be adaptable also to construction and operation of accelerator research infrastructures. This includes the efficient use of cooling water and processing of wastewater. Components and materials used in a facility should be selected, whenever technically possible, for low environmental impact. For many branches of industry such considerations were made and it is time to apply those also to the construction of accelerators. Lifecycle management of components is another aspect, for example developing strategies for renewal and repair of faulty components instead of immediate disposal. The use of helium (as a scarce resource) for accelerator and research applications, the minimization of its losses and methods for recovery represent another topic. With the carbon footprint analysis a metrics was developed for assessment of the overall impact of a facility or a process. Task 1.4 will analyse which of these concepts and criteria are applicable to accelerators and are useful for the choice of the best concepts.