This book is a complete treatment of work done to resolve the problems
of position-, current-, and shape-control of plasma in tokamak-type
(toroidal) devices being studied as a potential means of commercial
energy production by nuclear fusion. Modelling and control are both
detailed, allowing non-expert readers to understand the control problem.
Starting from the magneto-hydro-dynamic equations, all the steps needed
for the derivation of plasma state-space models are enumerated with
frequent recall of the basic concepts of electromagnetics. The control
problem is then described, beginning with the control of current and
position-vertical and radial-control and progressing to the more
challenging shape control. The solutions proposed vary from simple PIDs
to more sophisticated MIMO controllers.
The second edition of Magnetic Control of Tokamak Plasmas contains
numerous updates and a substantial amount of completely new material
covering areas such as:
- modelling and control of resistive wall modes-the most important
non-axisimmetric mode;
- the isoflux approach for shape control;
- a general approach for the control of limiter plasmas;
- the use of inner vessel coils for vertical stabilization; and
- significantly enhanced treatment of plasma-shape control at JET,
including experimental results and introducing a method implemented for
operation in the presence of current saturations.
Whenever possible, coverage of the various topics is rounded out with
experimental results obtained on currently existing tokamaks. The book
also includes a presentation of the typical actuators and sensors used
for control purposes in tokamaks. Some mathematical details are given in
the appendices for the interested reader.
The ideas formulated in this monograph will be of great practical help
to control engineers, academic researchers and graduate students working
directly with problems related to the control of nuclear fusion. They
will also stimulate control researchers interested more generally in the
advanced applications of the discipline.
Advances in Industrial Control aims to report and encourage the
transfer of technology in control engineering. The rapid development of
control technology has an impact on all areas of the control discipline.
The series offers an opportunity for researchers to present an extended
exposition of new work in all aspects of industrial control.
