Arc plasma simulation of the KAERI large ion source.

Area of Science:

• Plasma physics
• Fusion energy research
• Ion beam technology

Background:

• The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) developed a large ion source for the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) Neutral Beam Injection (NBI) system.
• Recent experiments in 2007 achieved ion beam performance of 100 keV and 50 A.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze experimental results to understand limitations in achieving desired beam currents.
• To perform zero-dimensional simulations of the ion source plasma to identify key control factors and potential improvements.
• To guide further development towards the KSTAR NBI system's 8 MW ion beam goal.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of experimental data from the KAERI large ion source.
• Zero-dimensional (0-D) plasma simulations of the ion source.

Main Results:

• The ion source reached its best performance to date with 100 keV, 50 A ion beams at 145 kW input power.
• Experimental analysis indicated a need for further optimization to increase beam current.
• Simulations provided insights into factors governing arc plasma behavior.

Conclusions:

• The current ion source performance requires enhancement to meet the KSTAR NBI system's 8 MW target.
• Understanding arc plasma dynamics through simulation is crucial for optimizing ion source performance.
• Further development efforts should focus on identified control factors to improve beam current and overall efficiency.