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Solenoid-Free Startup in the Pegasus-III Experiment

POSTER

Abstract

Solenoid-free startup techniques offer the potential to simplify the cost and complexity of tokamak fusion power plants by reducing the technical requirements of, or need for, a central solenoid. Robust solutions are critical to the spherical tokamak (ST) concept as well. The Pegasus-III Experiment provides a dedicated US platform for comparative solenoid-free startup studies. Presently completing construction and beginning commissioning, this new solenoid-free ST (A ≥ 1.22, Ip ≤ 0.3 MA, BT ≤ 0.6 T, tpulse ~ 0.1 s) will be equipped with local helicity injection (LHI) and coaxial helicity injection (CHI) startup systems; a 28 GHz radiofrequency (RF) system for heating and current drive; and enhanced diagnostics. The research mission is centered on developing the underlying non-solenoidal startup physics basis via validated, predictive models and the needed technology to effectively implement these techniques. Its long-term objective is to facilitate the deployment of MA-class startup concepts on larger-scale STs and beyond. Initial experiments are planned to extend LHI scenarios to BT ~ 0.3 T and Ip = 0.3 MA; develop transient CHI scenarios; and characterize electron Bernstein wave emission to optimize the RF system.

Presenters

  • Michael W Bongard

    University of Wisconsin-Madison

Authors

  • Michael W Bongard

    University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • Molly W Aslin

    University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin - Madison

  • Stephanie J Diem

    University of Wisconsin - Madison, University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • Abigail L Ferris

    University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin - Madison

  • Raymond J Fonck

    University of Wisconsin - Madison, University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • John A Goetz

    University of Wisconsin - Madison, University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • Armand K Keyhani

    University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin - Madison

  • Mark D Nornberg

    University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin - Madison

  • Jilliann K Peery

    University of Wisconsin - Madison

  • Christopher Pierren

    University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin - Madison

  • Joshua A Reusch

    University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin - Madison

  • Alexander T Rhodes

    University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin - Madison

  • Cuauhtemoc Rodriguez Sanchez

    University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin - Madison

  • Rachel K Sassella

    University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin - Madison

  • Carolyn E Schaefer

    University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin - Madison

  • Aaron C Sontag

    University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin - Madison

  • Timothy N Tierney

    University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin - Madison

  • Justin D Weberski

    University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin - Madison