Utilizing RMP to control ELMs to access and sustain stationary SH plasma for core-edge integration in SVR configuration with dedicated detachment studies
2025 Research Campaign, Thrust: Shape Rise Divertor
Purpose of Experiment
This experiment aims to (1) explore RMP ELM control (strongly mitigated or suppress) in the SVR configuration to access and sustain SH plasma via appropriate approaches and shape adjustment; (2) validate the newly developed model for predicting plasma response and windows for accessing ELM suppression; (3) explore radiative divertor in SVR configuration by utilizing impurity seeding.
Experimental Approach
This experiment will be conducted in the SVR configuration, consisting of 3 parts: 1) exploring RMP-driven ELM suppression/strong mitigation compatible with high performance SH plasmas; 2) validate the model prediction by conducting scans in the scenario with full ELM suppression; 3) leaving dedicated run time to conduct divertor detachment in the SVR configuration, RMP will help to facilitate detachment if compatible with plan. The following elements/approaches will be deployed to realize the goals: Goal 1: ELM control in SVR: 1. Mitigate the first giant ELM to access and sustain SH pedestal: n = 3 RMP will be turned on after LH transition to (1) avoid the density overshoot and (2) mitigate/avoid the first giant ELM. This step is essential to explore the SH plasma in the normal Ip direction. RMP coil current and dRsep may be adjusted to ensure the effectiveness of the mitigation of the first ELM. This step will be explored as piggyback in MP2025-16-01. 2. Explore RMP ELM suppression/strong mitigation with high performance SH: we will start with Ip=1.6 MA to explore stationary SH plasma with as high as possible heating power to maximize βN, after stationary SH plasma restored, we will take the following approaches/steps: • Turn on RMP with maximum current to mitigate/suppress ELMs. Performing RMP phase flip for n = 3 to measure the plasma response. • Increase dRsep from 0 to 2 cm to amplify the HFS plasma response and achieve stronger ELM mitigation/suppression. ML based 3D feedback controller will work in real-time to determine the optimal phase for RMP configuration. • Activate 1.5-3 MW edge localized ECCD to enhance RMP ELM suppression. At the same time, it is possible to bifurcate the ELM suppressed pedestal to the SH channel. If ELM suppression still can’t be achieved, then lower Ip to 1.4 or 1.2 MA to allow higher βN and improve the resonance of odd parity n=3 at higher q95. Goal 2: model validation Goal 3: Explore divertor detachment: 1. To achieve stationary detachment, impurity injection will be utilized in addition to D2 puffing. Nitrogen is our higher priority impurity gas, Neon will be injected in high power plasma since Neon radiates at higher temperature. Divertor detachment will be achieved by using the detachment controller to ramp up and control the D2 and N2 puffing rate. Reversed Bt will be used to have ion B×∇B drift towards divertor to facilitate the achievement of partial detachment, and the upper outer cryo-pump is on to allow density control. 2. After restored detachment, n = 3 RMP will be turned on to explore as strong as possible ELM mitigation. In addition, RMP phase slip with even and odd parity will be turned on in separate shots to document plasma response from low to high collisionality and compare the different response in even and odd parity. Upstream separatrix density will be determined by applying the power-balance technique to the profiles with good spatial and temporal resolution. Upstream impurity concentration will be determined from CER. Divertor diagnostics including Langmuir probe, IRTV, pressure gauge, tangential TV will be used to identify the detachment process. Filterscope and tangential TV will be used to diagnose divertor impurity distribution. The newly installed bolometer will be used to study the power balance. The obtained experimental data will be input to SOLPS-ITER, UEDGE, GPEC, TM1, EMC3-Eirene to better understand the underlying physics.
See more details, including project leads, at U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI).