Direct optimization of neoclassical ion transport in stellarator reactors

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Hauptverfasser: Lee, B. F., Lazerson, S. A., Smith, H. M., Beidler, C. D., Pablant, N. A.
Format: Preprint
Veröffentlicht: 2024
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author Lee, B. F.
Lazerson, S. A.
Smith, H. M.
Beidler, C. D.
Pablant, N. A.
author_facet Lee, B. F.
Lazerson, S. A.
Smith, H. M.
Beidler, C. D.
Pablant, N. A.
contents We directly optimize stellarator neoclassical ion transport while holding neoclassical electron transport at a moderate level, creating a scenario favorable for impurity expulsion and retaining good ion confinement. Traditional neoclassical stellarator optimization has focused on minimizing $ε_\mathrm{eff}$, the geometric factor that characterizes the amount of radial transport due to particles in the $1/ν$ regime. Under expected reactor-relevant conditions, core electrons will be in the $1/ν$ regime and core fuel ions will be in the $\sqrtν$ regime. Traditional optimizations thus minimize electron transport and rely on the radial electric field $\left(E_r\right)$ that develops to confine the ions. This often results in an inward-pointing $E_r$ that drives high-$Z$ impurities into the core, which may be troublesome in future reactors. In this work, we increase the ratio of the thermal transport coefficients $L_{1 1}^{e}/L_{1 1}^{i}$, which previous research has shown can create an outward-pointing $E_r$. This effect is very beneficial for impurity expulsion. We obtain self-consistent density, temperature, and $E_r$ profiles at reactor-relevant conditions for an optimized equilibrium. This equilibrium is expected to enjoy significantly improved impurity transport properties.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2406_04147
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Direct optimization of neoclassical ion transport in stellarator reactors
Lee, B. F.
Lazerson, S. A.
Smith, H. M.
Beidler, C. D.
Pablant, N. A.
Plasma Physics
We directly optimize stellarator neoclassical ion transport while holding neoclassical electron transport at a moderate level, creating a scenario favorable for impurity expulsion and retaining good ion confinement. Traditional neoclassical stellarator optimization has focused on minimizing $ε_\mathrm{eff}$, the geometric factor that characterizes the amount of radial transport due to particles in the $1/ν$ regime. Under expected reactor-relevant conditions, core electrons will be in the $1/ν$ regime and core fuel ions will be in the $\sqrtν$ regime. Traditional optimizations thus minimize electron transport and rely on the radial electric field $\left(E_r\right)$ that develops to confine the ions. This often results in an inward-pointing $E_r$ that drives high-$Z$ impurities into the core, which may be troublesome in future reactors. In this work, we increase the ratio of the thermal transport coefficients $L_{1 1}^{e}/L_{1 1}^{i}$, which previous research has shown can create an outward-pointing $E_r$. This effect is very beneficial for impurity expulsion. We obtain self-consistent density, temperature, and $E_r$ profiles at reactor-relevant conditions for an optimized equilibrium. This equilibrium is expected to enjoy significantly improved impurity transport properties.
title Direct optimization of neoclassical ion transport in stellarator reactors
topic Plasma Physics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.04147