Test of the ITER TF insert and central solenoid model coil

Abstract

The Central Solenoid Model Coil (CSMC) was designed and built by ITER collaboration between the European Union, Japan, Russian Federation and the United States in 1993-2001. Three heavily instrumented insert coils have been also built for testing in the background field of the CSMC to cover a wide operational space. The TF Insert was designed and built by the Russian Federation to simulate the conductor performance under the ITER TF coil conditions. The TF Insert Coil was tested in the CSMC Test Facility at the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, Naka, Japan in September-October 2001. Some measurements were performed also on the CSMC to study effects of electromagnetic and cooldown cycles. The TF Insert coil was charged successfully, without training, in the background field of the CSMC to the design current of 46 kA at 13 T peak field. The TF Insert met or exceeded all design objectives, however some interesting results require thorough analyses. This paper presents the overview of main results of the testing-magnet critical parameters, joint performance, effect of cycles on performance, quench and some results of the post-test analysis.

Test Results From the PF Conductor Insert Coil and Implications for the ITER PF System

“…The critical current and operating margin of the PFI CICC was verified by over 20 , , and measurements. measurements were performed ramping the CSMC and PFI to pre-defined currents, and varying the temperature in small steps (typically less then 0.1 K) using the resistive heaters placed at the inlet of the cooling circuits.…”

“…The similarity between the CICC of the PFI and the one designed for the PF1 and PF6 is evident, comparing the data reported in Tables I, IV, [20], with the necessary adaptations to the different operating conditions and PF conductor characteristics [15]. Besides the obvious characterization of the DC and AC conductor performance once wound in a coil of relevant length and size, the main test focus was on the following items:…”

“…Further details on the coil design [6], strand and cable manufacturing [7]- [11], coil manufacturing [12], short sample test results [5], [13], and supporting analyses to the insert test [14]- [17] can be found in the extensive list of references quoted. [19], [20], with the necessary adaptations to the different operating conditions and PF conductor characteristics [15]. Besides the obvious characterization of the DC and AC conductor performance once wound in a coil of relevant length and size, the main test focus was on the following items:…”

“…This coil section is placed in the equatorial plane of the test facility to experience the peak field of the CSMC. The intermediate joint, further away from the midplane of the CSMC, experiences a field which is approximately 25% lower, with both vertical and radial components, as will be the case for the ITER PF coils.The similarity between the CICC of the PFI and the one designed for the PF1 and PF6 is evident, comparing the data reported in Tables I, IV, [20], with the necessary adaptations to the different operating conditions and PF conductor characteristics [15]. Besides the obvious characterization of the DC and AC conductor performance once wound in a coil of relevant length and size, the main test focus was on the following items:…”

Review of Nb3Sn conductors for ITER

“…The ITER model coil program consisted of the CSMC and two associated insert coils, the central solenoid insert (CSI), the toroidal field insert (TFI), and the TFMC, which all use Nb 3 Sn conductors [1][2][3]. A third CSMC insert coil, the aluminium insert (ALI) which used Nb 3 A1 conductor will not be considered here.…”