A Toolset for Kalman Filter Resistive-Wall-Mode Feedback Modeling Including Plasma Rotation

The Resistive Wall Mode (RWM) is a major instability that limits performance in current and projected tokamaks. Although the RWM instability is directly related to plasma rotation, all feedback controls to date have been developed under the assumption of no plasma rotation. It stands to reason that the inclusion of plasma rotation in RWM feedback modeling would allow for more effective feedback control. In addition, feedback control of RWM requires that the mode identification be discriminated from noise such as that provided by Edge Localized Modes (ELMs). This project will develop and validate an easy-to-use Kalman filter RWM feedback control model that is compatible with plasma rotation. In Phase I, a model-based RWM feedback controller will be built for a validation test. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The toolset product should provide a flexible desktop tool for system response modeling of active RWM feedback in a tokamak in the presence of plasma rotation. Ultimately, the technology would speed the realization of unstable mode control, a crucial step toward commercial fusion reactors that would be of great benefit to society. The nature of the tool should allow it to be easily used by researchers for a variety of applications, including noise reduction in transportation, communications, heavy industry, and military systems.