Real time capable infrared thermography for ASDEX Upgrade

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Fusion Engineering
• Plasma Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Infrared (IR) thermography is essential for analyzing power exhaust and heat loads on plasma-facing components in fusion research.
• Current IR systems are designed for off-line analysis due to short experimental pulse durations.
• Future long-pulse fusion devices (e.g., ITER) require real-time temperature and heat flux evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a real-time capable infrared (IR) thermography system for the ASDEX Upgrade fusion device.
• To enable immediate assessment of thermal loads on plasma-facing components during fusion experiments.

Main Methods:

• Development of a compact IR camera with magnetic and electrical shielding for sensitive components.
• Implementation of Camera Link for camera communication.
• Utilizing National Instruments hardware (PXIe chassis) and a fiber-optic connected industrial computer for data acquisition.
• Real-time image processing and data evaluation using LabVIEW software.

Main Results:

• Successful development and implementation of a real-time IR thermography system for ASDEX Upgrade.
• The system provides immediate data on target temperature and heat flux.
• The camera design incorporates necessary shielding for operation in a fusion environment.

Conclusions:

• The developed real-time IR thermography system meets the mandatory requirements for future long-pulse fusion devices.
• This technology is vital for effective power exhaust management and component protection in ITER and similar future experiments.
• Real-time thermal monitoring enhances operational safety and data analysis capabilities in fusion research.