Alternative Measurement Methods

Working with the STEP programme, the Control Systems Integration (CSI) work area is looking to support these ambitions by developing its knowledge of the necessary plant control systems and potential requirements of a Fusion Power Plant (FPP). As part of this, there is significant challenge in providing the necessary sensors for the control and monitoring of the plasma relevant aspects of the power plant. This specifically relates to the sensors and associated equipment required to operate within the harsh environment in and around the fusion machine (tokamak) itself. With the greatest risk being around the ability to provide the necessary measurements within a radiative environment.

Given that the greatest challenge will be in the measurement systems being able to meet performance requirements under irradiation, the identification of alternative ways to measure the required parameters is of interest to the STEP Programme.

Measurement systems undergo performance losses and eventual failure under irradiation which results in the inability to meet the requirements of control systems functions - both safety and commercial.

A traditional solution for overcoming challenges to radiation is to develop radiation hard technologies. For applications to a fusion power plant, there is a concern that the development of a radiation tolerant/hard technology will not be enough, and so alternative approaches should be considered.

This work should aim to identify novel approaches and solutions to this problem - it is essential a solution is found to enable commercial viability of fusion energy power plants.