Advances in long pulse operation at high radio frequency power in Tore Supra

Journal Article · Sun Jun 15 00:00:00 EDT 2014 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4884357· OSTI ID:22299958

Goniche, M.; Dumont, R.; Bourdelle, C.; Decker, J.; Delpech, L.; Ekedahl, A.; Guilhem, D.; Guimarães-Filho, Z.; Litaudon, X.; Lotte, Ph.; Maget, P.; Mazon, D.; Saoutic, B. ^[1]

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1. CEA, IRFM, F-13108 Saint-Paul-lez-Durance (France)

The lower hybrid current drive (LHCD) system of Tore Supra has been upgraded for long pulse operation at higher power (7–8 MW). The two launchers have coupled on plasma 3.8 MW and 2.7 MW separately. This new power capability allows extending the operational domain of Tore Supra for long pulses at higher current and density. 38 long (20 s –155 s) discharges with very low loop voltage (V{sub L} = 30-60 mV) were performed with combined LHCD (5-5.7 MW) and ICRH (1–3 MW) powers, with up to 1 GJ of injected energy. Higher LHCD efficiency, with respect to the previous long discharges, is reported. MHD stability of these discharges is very sensitive to the LHCD power and parallel wave index, in particular in the preforming phase. For theses evanescent loop voltage plasmas, the ICRH power, in excess of 1 MW, is found to have a beneficial effect on the MHD stability.

• OSTI ID: 22299958
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 21, Issue 6; Other Information: (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ICR HEATING
LOWER HYBRID CURRENT DRIVE
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
PLASMA
PULSES
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
STABILITY
TORE SUPRA TOKAMAK