Overview and status of the control system of WENDELSTEIN 7-X

• Published in: Fusion engineering and design 2007-10, Vol.82 (5), p.988-994
• Main Authors: Schacht, Jörg, Laqua, Heike, Lewerentz, Marc, Müller, Ina, Pingel, Steffen, Spring, Anett, Wölk, Andreas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Controled nuclear fusion plants; Device control; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy; Operational management; Plasma discharge control; Safety system; Segment control; WENDELSTEIN 7-X
• ISSN: 0920-3796; 1873-7196
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fusengdes.2007.02.009

The new quality of the superconducting fusion device WENDELSTEIN 7-X (W7-X) is its capability for long-pulse operation. Discharge operations can be up to 30 min with full heating power. Considering the steady state operation capability the W7-X system control will be important for future long-term fusion experiments. A wide spectrum of requirements has to be considered during its design and realization. The experimental nature of the W7-X project requires high flexibility for machine operation and automatic program controlled operation. Main subject of this article is the description of a local control component as a part of the system control of W7-X. After a short overview about the structure of the system control a generic model of the local control components is described. This model permits a standardized procedure to integrate a component into the control system. The standard interfaces of the local components are described. Currently, some of the technical components of W7-X are already delivered, the others being in the phase of procurement.