Commissioning begins on EC power supply
The power supply system is a vital part of electron cyclotron heating and current drive—the system at ITER designed for plasma initiation, heating, and control. Tests are underway now to prepare the power supply system for integration with the gyrotron microwave generators and comprehensive commissioning.
The power supply system delivers high-voltage, precisely controlled electrical power to gyrotrons—specialized high-frequency microwave generators operating at 170 GHz. These gyrotrons convert electrical energy into electromagnetic waves, which are transmitted into the tokamak via a complex system of waveguides and launchers. When injected into the plasma, the electron cyclotron waves resonate with a cyclotron motion (also known as gyromotion), efficiently heating the plasma and driving localized current.
The main high voltage power supply (MHVPS) delivers DC voltage up to -55kV DC to the gyrotron cathode, to enable the emission of electrons that are then accelerated and manipulated to produce high-power microwaves. Prior to the first energization of the MHVPS with the ITER pulsed power electrical network’s 22kV distribution grid, a series of verification and validation tests were conducted to ensure safe operation. Following this initial energization, various functional tests will be carried out to confirm that the power supply's performance and protection functions meet the technical specifications. These tests are essential before integrating the MHVPS with the gyrotrons for comprehensive commissioning.