All-metal transformer core for a low aspect ratio tokamak

A novel concept for incorporating an iron core transformer within a axisymmetric toroidal plasma containment device with a high neutron flux is described. This design enables conceptual design of low aspect ratio devices which employ standard transformer-driven plasma startup by using all-metal high resistance inserts between the toroidal field windings. This design avoids the inherent problems of a multi-turn air core transformer which will inevitably suffer from strong neutron bombardment and hence lose the integrity of its insulation, both through long term material degradation and short term neutron induced conductivity. A full 3-dimensional model of the concept has been developed within the MAXWELL program and the resultant loop voltage calculated. The utility of the result is found to be dependent on the resistivity of the high resistance inserts. Useful loop voltage time histories have been obtained using expected resistivities. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.