Numerical optimization of three-dimensional coils for NSTX-U super(3)

• Published in: Plasma physics and controlled fusion Vol. 57; no. 10; pp. 1 - 8
• Main Authors: Lazerson, S A, Park, J-K, Logan, N, Boozer, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.10.2015
• Subjects: Coils; Computational fluid dynamics; Controlled fusion; Mathematical analysis; Optimization; Three dimensional; Torque
• ISSN: 0741-3335; 1361-6587
• DOI: 10.1088/0741-3335/57/10/104001

A tool for the calculation of optimal three-dimensional (3D) perturbative magnetic fields in tokamaks has been developed. The IPECOPT code builds upon the stellarator optimization code STELLOPT to allow for optimization of linear ideal magnetohydrodynamic perturbed equilibrium (IPEC). This tool has been applied to NSTX-U equilibria, addressing which fields are the most effective at driving NTV torques. The NTV torque calculation is performed by the PENT code. Optimization of the normal field spectrum shows that fields with n = 1 character can drive a large core torque. It is also shown that fields with n = 3 features are capable of driving edge torque and some core torque. Coil current optimization (using the planned in-vessel and existing RWM coils) on NSTX-U suggest the planned coils set is adequate for core and edge torque control. Comparison between error field correction experiments on DIII-D and the optimizer show good agreement.