Plasma discharge simulator and trajectory optimizer for ITER scenarios

Plasma scenario simulation that couples and simultaneously evolves the kinetic and magnetic control is essential to minimizing iteration for tokamak operation. A full tokamak discharge simulator based on the General Atomics TokSys (GA Tokamak System Toolbox) modelling and simulation environment has been applied to ITER scenarios. Fully compliant and interoperable with the ITER Plasma Control System Simulation Platform (PCSSP), the GA-TokSys discharge simulator provides fast and efficient testing and validation of plasma discharges, as well as control and monitoring functions, prior to experimental pulse execution. Performance of GA-designed magnetic controllers with the GSevolve plasma equilibrium, kinetic transport, and current density evolution module is evaluated for ramp up, flat-top, and ramp down phases of ITER. A trajectory design optimizer will be demonstrated for achieving magnetic control targets, incorporating limit constraints on plasma current, self-inductance, and plasma beta. Validation of Individual physics modules has been done against existing experimental device scenarios, and is being extended to integrated performance to enable high-confidence application to burning plasma devices, planned or under construction.