Initial Investigation of Diagnostics in Support of Fusion Pilot Plant Studies
Authors: A.E. Costley
Abstract:
An initial investigation of diagnostic aspects of a fusion pilot plant (FPP) has been
undertaken as part of the on-going PPPL led FPP study. The diagnostic aspects of the
spherical tokamak (ST) and advanced tokamak (AT), and to a lesser extent the compact
stellarator (CS), FPP variants have been investigated. For the ST and AT, the requirements
for first wall and plasma measurements have been derived in consultation with appropriate
PPPL staff (J Menard for the ST and S Scott for the AT); candidate diagnostics to meet the
requirements have been selected; and a first level integration with the machine has been
attempted in cooperation with T Brown. For the CS, the measurement requirements have
been derived in consultation with M Zarnstorff. The performance and reliability that could
be expected of the diagnostic systems in the FPP have been assessed and critical areas
identified. It is found that because of the relatively harsh environment - for example,
approximately 10 - 40 x higher neutron radiation levels on the in-vessel diagnostic
components than on ITER, and, in some cases, much higher thermal and mechanical loads
- some diagnostics that conventionally provide quite basic measurements will probably not
be feasible. Because of the central role that plasma and first wall measurements will play
in the optimization and control of an FPP, it is essential that these critical areas be
addressed in the next step development of the FPP. Some suggestions for potentially
promising developments are made. Part of the work undertaken in this study has been peer
reviewed and a summary of the response to the key matters raised in the review is
included.
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Submitted to: PPPL
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Download PPPL-4720 (pdf 948 KB 41 pp)
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