Manufacture of the ITER Central Solenoid Components

Abstract

The ITER central solenoid (CS) components are currently being manufactured. This Nb3Sn superconducting magnet will provide the magnetic flux swing required to induce up to 15 MA as plasma current. It includes six identical coils, called modules, stacked on top of each other to form a solenoid, enclosed inside a structure split into nine subsets, to provide vertical precompression and mechanical support. High mechanical stresses in materials and high voltages call for the use of structural materials with high strength and toughness and high dielectric strength insulating materials, respectively. The pulsed operation imposes materials with high fatigue strength at cryogenic temperatures. Unlike for the structure, where large existing manufacturing tools were usable, the modules required the construction of a dedicated manufacturing line. A comprehensive qualification programme is performed at the manufacturers before applying procedures for the production of the CS components. The main characteristics of the CS components, their manufacturing routes and the different elements of the qualification programme are described. The overall plan for the manufacture is reported. The status of the first series production components manufactured is presented as well as the planned delivery schedule to the ITER site.