JT-60SA TF Coils: Experimental Check of Hydraulic Operating Conditions

Abstract

The general design of the JT-60SA toroidal field (TF) system relies on the use of a single-channel cable-in-conduit conductor defined in agreement with all participants of the project (CEA, ENEA, F4E). The hydraulic data of a TF conductor reference was used for design assessment. The characterizations of the production conductor, done on relevant unit length and on short samples, have highlighted higher pressure drop than expected. The results have led to estimate a cryoplant operating point much lower than expected and an unequal flow between conductors inside the coils. An extensive characterization program was then engaged on short conductor samples extracted from conductor unit lengths covering almost 75% of the full production. This paper reports about these tests, which were performed on a large Reynolds range. The assessment of the real operating point and the resulting flow distribution inside the coils is presented. These data could be used by experts as input to better understand the coil behavior during cold testing and normal operation at final JA site.