On the synergy between easier plasma operation and affordable coil-set requirements enabled by Negative Triangularity in the prospective ARC fusion reactor

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that Negative Triangularity in the ARC fusion reactor allows for easier plasma operation and similar coil requirements as Positive Triangularity, supporting fusion commercialization.

Contribution

It introduces a numerical workflow to evaluate coil set viability across plasma configurations, showing Negative Triangularity's potential in fusion reactors.

Findings

Negative Triangularity equilibria require similar coil currents as Positive Triangularity.

A single coil set can sustain equilibria with both signs of triangularity.

Negative Triangularity offers promising operational advantages for fusion power commercialization.

Abstract

A numerical workflow is developed to explore the viability of running multiple plasma configurations in the ARC fusion pilot plant. Suitable cost functions for various poloidal field coil sets are evaluated based on currents required in the coils, induced stresses, and flexibility in plasma configurations. It is shown, for the first time, that a given set of poloidal field coils can sustain equilibria with both signs of triangularity and that equilibria at Negative Triangularity have comparable coil requirements to those at Positive Triangularity, despite ARC's Positive Triangularity design equilibrium. These results contribute to demonstrate that the Negative Triangularity Tokamak is a promising candidate for the commercialization of fusion power.