Development of a 2 MW CW Waterload for Electron Cyclotron Heating Systems

Gyrotrons that produce 2 MW CW of RF power for electron cyclotron heating are being developed for ITER and other fusion systems. In order to test such gyrotrons, waterloads are required at all fusion research centers that use electron cyclotron heating. However, currently, no waterloads are available for testing the gyrotrons at this power level. This project will develop loads that can dissipate 2 MW CW of RF power at frequencies between 120 and 170 GHz. The approach involves the implementation of a rotating launcher inside a loss-coated cylinder that is sized to dissipate the required power level without incurring excessive power densities. The launcher will disperse the RF power using a carefully designed reflector, and the rotation will avoid excessive power densities due to constructive interference, which is a known issue with static loads. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee Under international agreement, the United States is responsible for providing waterloads for ITER. The load proposed here would satisfy the ITER requirement, resulting in a minimum procurement of 24 loads at a total estimated value of $2.8 M. Commercial opportunities would also exist at other fusion research centers that incorporate this new generation of 2 MW gyrotrons