Model-based MIMO isoflux plasma shape control at the EAST tokamak: Experimental results

Abstract

This paper reports on the experimental validation of a MIMO plasma shape controller at the EAST tokamak, carried out during the 2019-2020 experimental campaign. In particular the decoupled SISO controller that is routinely used during operations at EAST, was temporarily replaced by a MIMO isoflux controller, whose design is based on the eXtreme Shape Controller approach, which permits to control a larger number of plasma shape parameters. The proposed plasma shape controller has proven to be able of withstanding relevant disturbances, i.e. to the additional power injections required to reach an almost fully non-inductive current driven regime.