Chinese researchers innovate on coil power supply

Described as "the first power supply for poloidal field coil in tokamak devices to adopt fully controlled power electronic devices and pulse power modulation technology," the power supply (rated current ± 15kA) was installed and tested on the EAST tokamak, demonstrating performance that exceeded design requirements. 

In the experiment, the fully controlled pulse power modulation technology replaced the thyristor phase-controlled rectifier in the high-power fusion magnet power converter. It has many advantages, including high efficiency, high power factor, controllable harmonics, fast response, high reliability and low embedded cost.

"We have been working on this project for six years," said lead researcher Prof. Huang. "Four years on research and two years on key technologies."

The development and operation of the new generation of power supplies will not only promote the technical application of fully controlled power conversion technology in the field of high current, but also provide a promising solution for future fusion facilities, according to the team.

Read the full press release in English or Chinese.