Magnetic controller performance assessment for the MAST-Upgrade tokamak

In this work we report high confidence performance assessment of magnetic equilibrium controllers for MAST-U in support of the upcoming 2024-25 experimental campaign. These controllers are essential for development of new advanced divertor plasma configurations and scenarios. Using the suite of control analysis tools (known collectively as TokSys [1]), which were adapted and upgraded for MAST-U, new control algorithms were developed, the plasma control system was evaluated, and the control performance was analyzed. Closed-loop integrated control simulations with the actual MAST-U plasma control system and different physics-based models inside TokSys are also applied and described for the development and assessment of controllers.

[1] HUMPHREYS, D.A., et al, “Development of ITER-Relevant Plasma Control Solutions at DIII-D,” Nucl. Fusion 47 (2007) 943