New field programmable gate array-based image-oriented acquisition and real-time processing applied to plasma facing...

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Fusion Engineering
• Plasma Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Plasma-facing components (PFCs) in fusion devices face extreme heat fluxes during operation.
• Preventing overheating of PFCs is critical for the safety and longevity of future fusion reactors like ITER.
• Real-time temperature monitoring using infrared cameras is essential for managing PFC thermal loads.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a major upgrade to the real-time infrared image acquisition and processing system at Tore Supra.
• To evaluate the new capabilities of a field programmable gate array (FPGA) optimized for image processing.
• To assess improvements in image calibration and abnormal thermal event detection for PFCs.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a new FPGA-based board for real-time infrared image processing.
• Upgraded optical systems and digital infrared cameras for enhanced data acquisition.
• Development of advanced algorithms for image calibration and thermal event analysis.

Main Results:

• The new FPGA system offers significantly improved computational performance for real-time image processing.
• Enhanced capabilities for precise image calibration and accurate surface temperature measurements.
• Improved detection of abnormal thermal events, enabling faster response to prevent PFC damage.

Conclusions:

• The upgraded FPGA system represents a significant advancement in real-time thermal management for fusion devices.
• This technology is vital for ensuring the operational safety and reliability of plasma-facing components.
• The enhanced diagnostic capabilities contribute to the development of future fusion energy systems.