The first European workshop of the ECRH system designers and users network was held from 4 to 6 February at W7X in Greifswald, Germany. The event attracted over 70 participants, 40 of them in person.
Numerous subjects were discussed, including the design of new gyrotrons at higher frequencies, with the aim of increasing power to 2 MW while maximising efficiency. These advances concern DEMO, STEP and W7X in particular, and are supported by the KIT Karkshrue laboratory and NUKA National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
The DTT tokamak team (Italy) presented its operator requirements for managing a 32-gyrotron system, as well as the new innovative solutions being studied for the transmission line (DTT quasi-optical line). For its part, W7X is continuing its parallel developments for 2 MW gyrotrons, while optimising the control of the 8 MW already installed, in order to maximise plasma operating time.
Several other institutions, including COMPASS U, F4E, WEST, ASDEX U and STEP, were present, helping to enrich the discussions and strengthen cooperation within the ECRH network in Europe.
The workshop gave rise to constructive exchanges, enabling the various players to share their knowledge and successes, as well as the many challenges ahead. The future looks promising, with a significant increase in the number of gyrotrons in Europe: 72 to 80 for ITER, 32 for DTT and between 200 and 300 for STEP.
