Modeling and Analysis of the W7-X High Heat-Flux Divertor Scraper Element

Abstract

The Wendelstein 7-X stellarator experiment is scheduled for the completion of device commissioning and the start of first plasma in 2015. At the completion of the first two operational phases, the inertially cooled test divertor unit will be replaced with an actively cooled high heat-flux divertor, which will enable the device to increase its pulse length to steady-state plasma performance. Plasma simulations show that the evolution of bootstrap current in certain plasma scenarios produce excessive heat fluxes on the edge of the divertor targets. It is proposed to place an additional scraper element in the 10 divertor locations to intercept some of the plasma flux and reduce the heat load on these divertor edge elements. Each scraper element may experience a 500-kW steady-state power load, with localized heat fluxes as high as 20 MW/m2. Computational analysis has been performed to examine the thermal integrity of the scraper element. The peak temperature in the carbon-carbon fiber composite, the total pressure drop in the cooling water, and the increase in water temperature must all be examined to stay within specific design limits. Computational fluid dynamics modeling is performed to examine the flow paths through the multiple monoblock fingers as well as the thermal transfer through the monoblock swirl tube channels.