Overcurrent analyses in JT-60SA poloidal circuits due to plasma disruption and quench protection intervention

Abstract The identification of the maximum amplitude of the currents circulating in the circuits is a useful indication for the design both of magnet and power supply components in fusion experiments. This paper evaluates the maximum level of coil overcurrents in the poloidal superconducting magnets of JT-60SA, the satellite tokamak that will be built in Naka, Japan, in the framework of EU-JA “Broader Approach” Agreement and that is expected to perform first plasma on 2016. To derive these information, a complete model capable to take into account all the mutually coupled elements was worked out, including the poloidal superconducting coils, the plasma position control in-vessel coils, the vacuum vessel, the stabilizing plates and the plasma. The model was utilized to analyze plasma disruption and quench protection circuit intervention in a large variety of different conditions to identify the possible overcurrent levels. The paper describes the model and the analyses performed, and presents and discusses the results.