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First-principles-driven model-based optimal control of the current profile in NSTX-U

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Regulation in time of the toroidal current profile is one of the main challenges toward the realization of the next-step operational goals for the National Spherical Tokamak eXperiment - Upgrade (NSTX-U). In this work, a nonlinear, control-oriented, physics-based model describing the temporal evolution of the current profile is first obtained by combining the magnetic diffusion equation with empirical correlations obtained for the electron density, electron temperature, and non-inductive current drives in NSTX-U. The proposed model is then embedded into the control design process to synthesize a time-variant, linear-quadratic-integral, optimal controller capable of regulating the safety factor profile around a desired target profile while rejecting disturbances. Neutral beam injectors, electron density, and the total plasma current are used as actuators to shape the current profile. The effectiveness of the proposed controller in regulating the safety factor profile in NSTX-U is demonstrated in closed-loop nonlinear simulations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2015 IEEE Conference on Control and Applications, CCA 2015 - Proceedings
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages1303-1308
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781479977871
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 4 2015
EventIEEE Conference on Control and Applications, CCA 2015 - Sydney, Australia
Duration: Sep 21 2015Sep 23 2015

Publication series

Name2015 IEEE Conference on Control and Applications, CCA 2015 - Proceedings

Conference

ConferenceIEEE Conference on Control and Applications, CCA 2015
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySydney
Period9/21/159/23/15

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Control and Systems Engineering

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