Next-Generation Plasma Control in the DIII-D Tokamak

M.L. Walker, J.R. Ferron, D.A. Humphreys, R.D. Johnson, J.A. Leuer, B.G. Penaflor, A. Pironti, M. Ariola, E. Schuster

Symposium on Fusion Technology

Helsinki, Finland, September 2002

Abstract

The advanced tokamak (AT) operating mode which is the principal focus of the DIII-D tokamak requires highly integrated and complex plasma control. Simultaneous and high performance regulation of the plasma boundary and internal profiles requires multivariable control techniques in order to take into account the highly coupled influences of equilibrium shape, profile, and stability control. This paper describes progress towards the DIII-D AT mission goal through both significantly improved real time computational hardware and control algorithm capability.