The enhanced ASDEX Upgrade pellet centrifuge launcher

Area of Science:

• Fusion energy research
• Plasma physics
• Accelerator technology

Background:

• The ASDEX Upgrade facility utilizes pellet injection for crucial plasma physics research, including particle fuelling and Edge Localised Mode (ELM) control.
• The pellet launching system, operational for over 20 years, required significant upgrades, particularly its control system, to meet evolving research demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the major revision and upgrading of the ASDEX Upgrade pellet launching system's control architecture.
• To introduce a state-of-the-art PLC system, enhancing operational flexibility and enabling remote control capabilities.
• To present the new system's architecture, operational procedures, and expanded capabilities for plasma experiments.

Main Methods:

• Conversion of the pellet launching system from low-field to high-field side injection for improved fuelling efficiency.
• Replacement of the hybrid PLC S5/S7 and relay control system with a modern PLC system.
• Implementation of galvanic separation and remote control for the upgraded control system, relocating it away from the torus.

Main Results:

• The upgraded control system provides increased operational flexibility for pellet experiments.
• The new system architecture facilitates a fully remote control solution with galvanic separation.
• Successful initial applications include Edge Localised Mode (ELM) pacing and triggering studies, alongside the development of high-density plasma scenarios.

Conclusions:

• The upgraded pellet launching system significantly enhances ASDEX Upgrade's capabilities for particle fuelling and ELM research.
• The modernization allows for more sophisticated plasma control and the exploration of advanced operational regimes.
• The system's improved flexibility and remote operation are key advancements for future fusion energy research.