Operation with 1 MA Plasma Current in EAST

Abstract

Discharge with a plasma current of 1 MA at a line-averaged density of 1.8 × 1019 m-3 was realized in EAST, a fully superconducting tokamak. The key issues to achieve the discharge with 1 MA plasma current include both early shaping and LHCD assistance during start-up phase to extend the voltage margin of poloidal field (PF) coils for easier plasma control, an optimization of the control methodology for PF coils to avoid over-current fault and a very good wall condition. A better wall condition was achieved mainly by extensive Lithium coating. Both stationary H-mode and diverted plasma discharge of 100 s were also obtained.