Progress of Plasma Control by Use of Radio-Frequencies 5.Plans and Prospects of RF Heating and Current Drive for ITER

Abstract

Based on the experimental achievements described in the previous chapters, many roles are expected to the RF Heating systems in ITER project. In addition to the main heating to realize D-T burning plasma of fusion energy gain Q ≥ 10, a driver of H-mode transition, start up, steady-state current drive, current profile control, burn control and MHD suppression are required functions. Total heating power of 73 MW will be prepared from the early phase of the ITER operation. The specifications required in the ITER RF heating systems were quite challenging, and included realization of an 1 MW-170 GHz RF source for ECH. Most of them, however, have been satisfied or practically satisfied. The preparations for the construction of the ITER heating systems are completed.