Title: Access to edge scenarios for testing a scraper element in early operation phases of Wendelstein 7-X

Abstract

The edge topology of magnetic fusion devices is decisive for the control of the plasma exhaust. In Wendelstein 7-X, the island divertor concept will be used, for which the edge topology can change significantly as the internal currents in a plasma discharge evolve towards steady-state. Consequently, the device has been optimized to minimize such internal currents, in particular the bootstrap current [1]. Nonetheless, there are predicted pulse scenarios where effects of the remaining internal currents could potentially lead to overload of plasma-facing components. These internal currents are predicted to evolve on long time scales (tens of seconds) so their effects on the edge topology and the divertor heat loads may not be experimentally accessible in the first years of W7-X operation, where only relatively short pulses are possible. However, we show here that for at least one important long-pulse divertor operation issue, relevant physics experiments can be performed already in short-pulse operation, through judicious adjustment of the edge topology by the use of the existing coil sets. The specific issue studied here is a potential overload of the divertor element edges. This overload might be mitigated by the installation of an extra set of plasma-facing components, so-called scraper elements, asmore » suggested in earlier publications. It is shown here that by a targeted control of edge topology, the effectiveness of such scraper elements can be tested already with uncooled test-scraper elements in short-pulse operation. Furthermore, this will allow an early and well-informed decision on whether long-pulse-capable (actively cooled) scraper elements should be built and installed.« less

Authors:

Holbe, H. ^[1]; Pedersen, T. Sunn ^[1]; Geiger, J. ^[1]; Bozhenkov, S. ^[1]; Kornejew, P ^[2]; Feng, Y. ^[1]; Lore, Jeremy D. ^[3]; Lumsdaine, Arnold ^[3]; Konig, R. ^[1]

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+ Show Author Affiliations

1. Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, Greifswald (Germany)
2. Max-Planck-Institute for Plasmaphysik, EURATOM-Association, Greifswald, Germany
3. Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Publication Date:

Fri Jan 29 00:00:00 EST 2016

Research Org.:

Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE Office of Science (SC)

OSTI Identifier:

1265944

Grant/Contract Number:  

AC05-00OR22725

Resource Type:

Accepted Manuscript

Journal Name:

Nuclear Fusion

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Volume: 56; Journal Issue: 2; Journal ID: ISSN 0029-5515

Publisher:

IOP Science

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY