Analysis and Prototyping of a High-Current Power System for the University-Scale Stellarator STAR_Lite

Generating the stable 87.5 mT magnetic field required for plasma confinement in the STAR_Lite stellarator necessitates a robust power system capable of delivering approximately 50 kA-turns. This work details the design, analysis, and initial implementation of a modular power system engineered to drive up to 3 kA through the 18-turn magnetic field coils. The system architecture decouples the high-current source from a precision control unit. For the control unit, a programmable 500 A DC motor controller, interfaced via Curtis 1314 software, has been implemented to provide precise, real-time regulation of the coil current. A key component of this research was a trade study to evaluate three distinct, cost-effective power sources: high-capacity LiFePo4 batteries, repurposed high-power server supplies, and existing 750 A welding units. Initial prototyping and load testing have been completed, validating the control scheme and characterizing the performance of the candidate power sources. This modular and scalable approach provides a flexible pathway for achieving the high-current operation essential for future plasma experiments on STAR_Lite.