Installation, Commissioning and Tests of Four Fast Switching Units of up to 20 kA for the JT-60SA Nuclear Fusion Experiment

Abstract

The nuclear fusion project JT-60SA is presently under construction in Naka (Japan) as a joint collaboration between Europe and Japan, within the framework of the Broader Approach Agreement. According to such agreement, the various JT-60SA systems are supplied by European and Japanese institutions. In particular, the Italian Agency ENEA was in charge for the procurement of the four Switching Network Units (SNUs) for the JT-60SA Central Solenoid (CS). The main SNU function is to interrupt a DC current up to 20 kA in a short time (less than 1 ms) in order to produce an overvoltage of up to 5 kV, crucial to generate and sustain the fusion plasma. The SNU design, manufacturing and factory test activities have been completed in 2016. After the delivery in Naka, the four SNUs have been installed and successfully commissioned in 2017. After an overview on the main technical characteristics of the SNUs and the key aspects of their design, this paper describes the activities performed on-site, highlighting the results obtained during the final acceptance tests and comparing them with the design simulation and the factory test results.

Keywords

• nuclear fusion
• tokamak
• plasma breakdown
• superconductor
• switching network unit
• DC current interruption
• hybrid electromechanical-electronic switch
• high current power supply
• high current test