EC power sources: European technological developments towards ITER

The activities in Europe towards the development of the EC power sources for ITER are centered on the development of a 170GHz, 2MW, CW coaxial cavity gyrotron of collector potential depressed (CPD) type. A gyrotron with a higher unit power than the ITER reference (I MW) would yield a reduction of the installation costs, a more compact launcher design and, if required, an increase of the power delivered through one port. Tests proving the principle were successfully performed on a short-pulse experimental gyrotron delivering up to 2.2 MW in single mode. Following this success, a coordinated and fully consistent programme of development has been launched. The first industrial 2 MW prototype is now at an advanced stage of construction. The associated superconductive magnet producing 6.86 T on the cavity axis is also being procured. Dummy loads suitable for short and CW operation are also part of the development effort. Finally, a new EC test facility, with the features necessary for the testing of the gyrotron up to full power in CW, has been established and includes a fully solid-state power supply system. (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.