Life cycle cost comparison of laser modulator topologies

The selection of equipment, composition and operating topology for the equipment in a commercial plant can only be optimal if all the elements in the selection process can be quantified. Calculation of life cycle cost (LCC) furnishes a tool to accomplish this by relegating the whole selection process into the financial domain which is, after all, the only relevant basis upon which any commercial enterprise can be evaluated. This paper discusses an automated comprehensive life cycle cost calculation model that is used in a study to establish the optimal laser power modulator topology for a future molecular laser isotope separation (MLIS) plant for the Atomic Energy Corporation (AEC) of South Africa. The basic operation of the model is discussed in the paper and a number of salient parameters relating to two alternative modulator topologies are discussed to illustrate its operation.