Impact of EC location and timing on the stability and performance of the zero torque ITER Baseline Scenario in DIII-D

Scans of EC deposition at zero input torque in recent ITER Baseline Scenario (IBS) Demonstration discharges show that power deposition in the region of the q$=$2 surface is prone to causing (not suppressing) 2/1 modes, due to its impact on the local Te$_{\mathrm{ped}}$. The maximum stable Te$_{\mathrm{ped}}$ is inversely proportional to li, which points to a first order dependence of the stability on the global current profile (J) shape. The local minimum in J near q$=$2 is higher later in the shot, when li is lower, and the equilibrium can sustain a higher Te$_{\mathrm{ped}}$ without crossing the stability boundary. Local T$_{\mathrm{e}}$ impacts both the bootstrap current and the resistivity, therefore both the outer and inner layer physics, affecting the $\Delta $' and the $\Delta $' critical for instability. An in-shot dynamic scan of EC deposition from core to edge decreases H$_{\mathrm{98y2}}$ by 17{\%} and $\tau_{\mathrm{E}}$ by 30{\%}, due to loss of heating efficiency. This calls into question the compatibility of direct EC stabilization with achieving ITER's performance goals. 0-D simulations show that the zero torque IBS shots with core ECH project to the ITER goals (Q$=$10, P$_{\mathrm{fus}}=$550 MW, with heating power P$_{\mathrm{heat}}=$70 MW, compatible with the ITER hardware), and indicate the trade-offs between density, field, pressure and gain.