EC power sources: European technological developments towards ITER

• Published in: Fusion engineering and design 2007-10, Vol.82 (5), p.619-626
• Main Authors: Bonicelli, T., Alberti, S., Cirant, S., Dormicchi, O., Fasel, D., Hogge, J.P., Illy, S., Jin, J., Lievin, C., Mondino, P.L., Piosczyk, B., Rzesnicki, T., Santinelli, M., Taddia, G., Thumm, M., Tran, M.Q.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Controled nuclear fusion plants; Electron cyclotron; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Gyrotron; Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy; ITER
• ISSN: 0920-3796; 1873-7196
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fusengdes.2007.05.025

The activities in Europe towards the development of the EC power sources for ITER are centered on the development of a 170 GHz, 2 MW, CW coaxial cavity gyrotron of collector potential depressed (CPD) type. A gyrotron with a higher unit power than the ITER reference (1 MW) would yield a reduction of the installation costs, a more compact launcher design and, if required, an increase of the power delivered through one port. Tests proving the principle were successfully performed on a short-pulse experimental gyrotron delivering up to 2.2 MW in single mode. Following this success, a coordinated and fully consistent programme of development has been launched. The first industrial 2 MW prototype is now at an advanced stage of construction. The associated superconductive magnet producing 6.86 T on the cavity axis is also being procured. Dummy loads suitable for short and CW operation are also part of the development effort. Finally, a new EC test facility, with the features necessary for the testing of the gyrotron up to full power in CW, has been established and includes a fully solid-state power supply system.