Speakers
Description
The Plasma Control System (PCS) is an essential component of any tokamak, responsible for the real-time management of the plasma to ensure stable operation and optimal performance during fusion experiments. It works in conjunction with other subsystems to monitor and control key parameters during a plasma discharge like the plasma shape, position, density, and temperature.
The DTT PCS represents the central control system for operating the tokamak and managing the plasma within it. Tokamak operations occur in pulses. During a DTT pulse, the PCS manages all the necessary systems (magnetic coils, additional power systems, gas injection systems… ) to allow the execution of the scenario.
The DTT pulse is prepared by the plant’s Supervisory Control System (SCS), which configures the necessary plant systems, including the PCS, based on the pulse scenario or schedule. The Pulse Schedule Preparation System (PSPS) is a component of the SCS responsible for the editing of the pulse schedule, containing all the information needed to execute a DTT pulse, with or without plasma. This includes general parameters, operational limits, plant system configuration (including PCS configuration), and an ordered sequence of tasks and targets for the PCS to execute.
The PCS control is based on the implementation of feedforward and feedback control actions for a range of plant and plasma parameters. The feedforward control actions have the objective to track nominal references of plant parameters given by the Pulse Schedule based on simplified model simulations and previous discharges. The feedback control actions represent the control corrections implemented in real-time based on the measurements of the controlled parameters. These parameters differ in nature defining different set of control functionalities, like magnetic, kinetic, and MHD controls. Even if each functionality needs distinct sets of sensors and actuators, the DTT PCS requires significant functional integration.
In addition to the synchronous control, the PCS must also react asynchronously to events, adjusting its control path or strategy, a process known as exception handling.
The objective of this poster is to give an overview of the DTT PCS architecture with details of the main control functionality related to magnetic, kinetic and MHD control.
