Modeling the ITER CS AC Losses Based on the CS Insert Analysis

The cable-in-conduit conductor that will be used for the manufacturing of the ITER central solenoid (CS) modules has undergone a long series of qualification tests: the latest was performed in 2015 at QST, Naka, Japan, on the central solenoid insert (CSI) coil. In this work, the AC losses dataset collected during the CSI test campaign is interpreted using a lumped-parameter model for the coupling and hysteresis losses. The model is first benchmarked against the results of the THELMA code and then, after the implementation in the 4C thermal-hydraulic code, successfully validated against experimental data from tests performed on the CSI. With the validated AC loss model, the predictive analysis of the performance of the ITER CS is then carried out using again the 4C code, both in nominal conditions and with a reduced coolant mass flow rate in the most loaded pancake; it is shown that the minimum temperature margin required by the design is always satisfied, for both virgin (1 K) and cycled (1.5 K) conductor.