EPJ Web of Conferences (Sep 2012)

Large Scale CW ECRH Systems: Some considerations

  • Turkin Y.,
  • Michel G.,
  • Marushchenko N. B.,
  • Lubiako L.,
  • Laqua H. P.,
  • Gantenbein G.,
  • Braune H.,
  • Petelin M.I.,
  • Lechte C.,
  • Plaum B.,
  • Kasparek W.,
  • Erckmann V.,
  • Weissgerber M.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/20123204006
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 32
p. 04006

Abstract

Read online

Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ECRH) is a key component in the heating arsenal for the next step fusion devices like W7-X and ITER. These devices are equipped with superconducting coils and are designed to operate steady state. ECRH must thus operate in CW-mode with a large flexibility to comply with various physics demands such as plasma start-up, heating and current drive, as well as configurationand MHD - control. The request for many different sophisticated applications results in a growing complexity, which is in conflict with the request for high availability, reliability, and maintainability. ‘Advanced’ ECRH-systems must, therefore, comply with both the complex physics demands and operational robustness and reliability. The W7-X ECRH system is the first CW- facility of an ITER relevant size and is used as a test bed for advanced components. Proposals for future developments are presented together with improvements of gyrotrons, transmission components and launchers.