Operating the upgraded NSTX HHFW antenna array in an environment with Li-coated surfaces

P. M. Ryan, R. Ellis, J. C. Hosea, C. C. Kung, B. P. Leblanc, R. I. Pinsker, G. Taylor, J. R. Wilson

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

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The single-feed, end-grounded straps of the NSTX 12-strap HHFW antenna array have been replaced with double-feed, center-grounded straps to reduce the voltages in the vicinity of the Faraday shield (FS) for a given strap current. The strap spacings to the FS and to the back plate were increased by 3 mm to decrease the electric fields for a given voltage. The electric fields near the FS have been roughly halved for the same strap currents, permitting a direct examination of the roles that internal fields play in determining antenna power limits in plasmas. Extensive RF/plasma conditioning of the antenna was required to remove enough of the evaporated Li deposits from prior wall conditioning to permit coupling in excess of 4 MW to L- and H-mode plasmas in 2009. Most arcs were associated with expulsion of Li from the FS/antenna frame surfaces. The center-grounded straps were less susceptible to arcing during ELMing H-mode plasmas. Reliable operation above 2 MW was difficult after the installation of the Liquid Lithium Divertor (LLD) in 2010. Li-compound "dust" was found in the antennas after this run and is believed to have contributed to the reduced power limit.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationRadio Frequency Power in Plasmas - Proceedings of the 19th Topical Conference
Pages101-104
Number of pages4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
Event19th Topical Conference on Radio Frequency Power in Plasmas - Newport, RI, United States
Duration: Jun 1 2011Jul 3 2011

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume1406
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

Conference19th Topical Conference on Radio Frequency Power in Plasmas
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityNewport, RI
Period6/1/117/3/11

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

Keywords

  • RF Heating and Current Drive
  • Spherical Torus

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