Alpha Power Simulation and Burn Control in the IBS from Ramp Up to Ramp Down

2024 Research Campaign, ITER Integrated Scenarios

Purpose of Experiment

This experiment has two purposes: the first is the full implementation of the alpha power simulation and burn control schemes that were started in FY23, with the inclusion of higher power core ECH, more ITER-relevant alpha power fraction, and the interaction with ITER-relevant W radiation. The second goal is to address the challenge of the entry-to-burn, i.e. the transition from L-mode to H-mode with the question of when the confinement and the temperature become high enough to allow for sufficient alpha power to sustain the flattop pressure. The latter is generally a challenge due to the limited ITER auxiliary power, and the unknown magnitude and impact of the core W radiation at and after the LH transition.