A flowing liquid lithium limiter for the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak

Area of Science:

• Fusion Energy Research
• Plasma Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Lithium (Li) has been extensively used in Tokamak fusion research since 2009.
• Successful applications include Li coatings in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) and liquid Li limiters in the HT-7 Tokamak.
• A new flowing liquid lithium (FLiLi) limiter system has been designed for EAST.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the design of the FLiLi limiter system for the EAST tokamak.
• To leverage previous thin flowing film concepts tested in the HT-7 Tokamak.
• To integrate the FLiLi limiter with EAST's existing material and plasma evaluation systems.

Main Methods:

• The FLiLi limiter utilizes a novel electromagnetic pump to circulate liquid lithium.
• Liquid Li is pumped from a collector to a distributor, creating a continuous flowing film on the plasma-facing surface.
• The system will be pre-wetted with Li and mechanically translated to the EAST edge during plasma discharges.

Main Results:

• The FLiLi limiter design focuses on supplying a continuously flowing liquid Li film.
• Simulations indicate an acceptable heat flux distribution on the limiter surface.
• This design is suitable for future power extraction tests on EAST.

Conclusions:

• The FLiLi limiter represents a significant advancement in liquid lithium applications for fusion devices.
• The system's design and simulated performance are promising for enhanced plasma-facing component durability.
• Further testing on EAST is expected to validate the power extraction capabilities.