Model based optimal magnetic feedback control of multiple resistive wall modes with discrete coil and sensor arrays

Abstract

A model-based optimal control method for multiple resistive wall mode (RWM) feedback stabilization has been developed and tested in plasma experiments at the EXTRAP T2R reversed field pinch (RFP) device. The controller is designed to target issues that arise in connection with RWM magnetic feedback stabilization systems based on discrete control coil and sensor arrays in tokamak and reversed field pinch devices. Multi-mode control capabilities in these systems is limited due to coupling of modes induced by the control system. The coupling originates from the generation of side-band control field harmonics and from aliasing of multiple harmonics in the sensor measurements. These couplings naturally leads to a multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) control problem. A model based state space controller has been designed based on a relatively simple physics model of the RWM plasma response. The physics model, which is applicable for the high aspect ratio RFP, is the basis for Fourier decoupling of the MIMO control problem into a set of single-input, multiple-output (SIMO) systems using the discrete Fourier transform (DFT). The linear, time-invariant physics model allows for the design of a state space model with states representing physical quantities; in this case the Fourier harmonics of the radial field at the resistive wall. Since the states cannot be directly measured, a Kalman filter is used for estimation of the states from the aliased sensor array measurements. A linear–quadratic (LQ) optimal state controller has been implemented. Design parameters, such as the LQ control cost function state weights and the Kalman filter input error covariances have been used to optimize the control operation in various ways. The controller has enhanced multi-mode control capabilities compared to earlier designs. For example it allows the prioritizing of suppression of one of the multiple magnetic field Fourier harmonics produced by a given control current DFT component. The controller has been tested in plasma experiments at EXTRAP T2R device, utilizing a newly installed extended sensor array, and the enhanced capabilities for multiple RWM feedback stabilization has been demonstrated.