Internal inductance predictive control for Tokamaks

Abstract

Control of the plasma inductance is an essential tool for the successful operation of Tokamaks in order to overcome stability issues as well as the new challenges specific to advanced scenarios operation. Thus, tokamak operation may benefit from model predictive control techniques to extend the pulse duration by reducing instabilities while guaranteeing tokamak integrity. The numerical results seem to indicate that internal inductance and current profiles can be adequately controlled which will influence the L-H transition timing, the density peaking and pedestal pressure. In this regard, the need for optimal, robust control emerges as a key factor in the development of a nuclear fusion reactor.