Application of ITER real-time framework in EAST radiation power calculation subsystem

To apply the RTF (real-time framework) of ITER in EAST control, the radiation power calculation subsystem independent of the PCS (plasma control system) was designed and implemented based on RTF. Four RTF function blocks are designed to accomplish data processing and radiation power calculation, namely: communication function block, data acquisition function block, radiation calculation function block, and data storage function block. In order to satisfy the needs of EAST long pulse operation, the real-time segmental data storage of MDSplus is applied, which complements the reading and writing function of RTF to MDSplus. And a GUI (graphics user interface) written in Python is integrated in the system for real-time data display and parameter configuration. The benchmark test using history data and the piggyback experiment were carried out, the test result verified the effectiveness of each function blocks and the availability of hardware devices. In the 2021 EAST operation campaign, the subsystem was successfully applied to calculate the radiation power for real-time feedback control in EAST PCS, which provided strong supports for divertor physics experiment and illustrated the first successful attempt of RTF on EAST.

Automated summary

A radiation power calculation subsystem independent of the plasma control system was designed and implemented based on the RTF framework to achieve real-time data processing and calculation. The use of MDSplus for real-time segmented data storage and integration of a GUI written in Python were essential components of the system. The subsystem was successfully applied for real-time feedback control in EAST and played a critical role in divertor physics experiments during the 2021 EAST operation campaign.