Simultaneous iterative learning control of mode entrainment and error field

Abstract

It is shown that static error fields (EFs) can severely limit the maximum rotation frequency achievable in mode entrainment by applied rotating fields. It is also shown that the rotation non-uniformities caused by an EF can be used to diagnose and correct said EF in real time. Simulations using typical DIII-D data show that this can be achieved within a small number of mode rotation periods by an iterative learning control algorithm. In addition to rapidly correcting the EF, this gives access to high entrainment frequencies that would not be accessible otherwise, and paves the way to rotational stabilization and improved mode control.