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Fusion energy: Progress, partnerships, and the path to deployment
Over the past decade, fusion energy has moved decisively from scientific aspiration toward a credible pathway to a new energy technology. Thanks to long-term federal support, we have significantly advanced our fundamental understanding of plasma physics—the behavior of the superheated gases at the heart of fusion devices. This knowledge will enable the creation and control of fusion fuel under conditions required for future power plants. Our progress is exemplified by breakthroughs at the National Ignition Facility and the Joint European Torus.
D. Fasel, T. Bonicelli, M. A. Henderson, M. Q. Tran
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 53 | Number 1 | January 2008 | Pages 246-253
Technical Paper | Special Issue on Electron Cyclotron Wave Physics, Technology, and Applications - Part 2 | doi.org/10.13182/FST08-A1669
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The ITER electron cyclotron heating (ECH) baseline scheme (2001) is composed of 24 gyrotrons, each generating 1 MW of radio-frequency power at 170 GHz in addition to 3 gyrotrons (1 MW) at 120 GHz for breakdown assist. Considering an efficiency of 45%, which can be achieved with the depressed-collector-type gyrotron (CPD), the amount of electrical power would be in the range of 55 MW. This paper has two purposes. First, it presents requirements that will be imposed on the electrical power supplies with regard to the updated physics needs for ITER presently being discussed. Demanding parameters (like modulation capability, transient margin, and fault clearing) will be described. In this context, the consequences of those new requirements on the technical choices and the impact on the complexity of the power supplies will be discussed. Second, two possible schemes for the ITER reference power supply design for the ECH system will be compared. The advantages (and respective disadvantages) of each solution will be highlighted taking care of the requirements previously presented. In conclusion, a proposal is presented for a revised ECH power supply structure.