Design Innovations of the Next-Step Spherical Torus Experiment and Spherical Torus Development Path

Abstract

The spherical torus (ST) fusion energy development path is complementary to the tokamak burning plasma experiment such as ITER as it focuses toward the compact Component Test Facility (CTF) and higher toroidal beta regimes to improve the design of DEMO and a Power Plant. To support the ST development path, one option of a Next Step Spherical Torus (NSST) device is examined. NSST is a “performance extension” (PE) stage ST with a plasma current of 5 - 10 MA, R = 1.5, BT ≤ 2.7 T with flexible physics capability to 1) Provide a sufficient physics basis for the design of the CTF, 2) Explore advanced operating scenarios with high bootstrap current fraction / high performance regimes, which can then be utilized by CTF, DEMO, and Power Plants, 3) Contribute to the general plasma / fusion science of high β toroidal plasmas. The NSST facility is designed to utilize the TFTR site to minimize the cost and time required for the construction.