Validation of the load-resilient ion cyclotron resonance frequency antenna concept on Tore Supra plasmas

Abstract

n the framework of the ion cyclotron resonance frequency (ICRF) heating development at CEA Cadarache, a prototype antenna based on the load-resilient electrical layout foreseen for ITER has been built. This prototype was recently tested in Tore Supra. The ITER-like electrical scheme has been validated during fast perturbations at the edge plasma. Clear load resilience properties are reported. Main conclusions and consequences to be learned for the development of ITER antenna are discussed.

Efficiency and availability driven R&D issues for DEMO

“…A first step towards load variation tolerant coupling has been achieved with 3 dB couplers on AUG, where about 7 out of 8 MW could be coupled to ELMy H-modes. In order to couple ICRH power in more severe conditions (the ELMs size increase with machine size), ITER-like antennae concepts are now being tested on JET [29] and Tore Supra [30] with promising results but ambitious targets: the JET antenna, which is under test, aims at reaching an efficiency of 90% for the transmission and coupling, with 7.2 MW to be coupled to the plasma out of 8 MW delivered by the generators (frequency range . If this result is achieved, it will have been demonstrated that one of the main issues for ICRH can be overcome.…”

WEST Physics Basis

“…Their design is an upgrade of the ITER-like ICRH prototype, tested in Tore Supra in 2007 [32,33]. Their ELM resilience relies on vacuum conjugate T-junction.…”

Development of long pulse RF heating and current drive for H-mode scenarios with metallic walls in WEST

“…The antennas are based on the Conjugate-T Resonant Double Loops prototype antenna [11], equipped with internal vacuum matching capacitors. This load resilient concept was tested in Tore Supra (TS) experiments in 2007 [12], showing the capability to maintain low reflected power back to the generator and thus maintaining the power during fast variations in coupling resistance. The construction of three new ICRH antennas based on this concept is now carried out in collaboration with ASIPP (Academy of Sciences, Institute of Plasma Physics) in Hefei, China, within the framework of the Associated Laboratory in the fusion field between ASIPP and IRFM (Institut de Recherche sur la Fusion par confinement Magnétique).…”