Detachment dynamics and disturbance rejection in the TCV X-Point Target divertor

Abstract

The X-Point Target divertor is an alternative divertor configuration with a secondary X-point in its divertor volume. In this work, we investigate the dynamic response and disturbance rejection capacity of the XPT configuration on the TCV tokamak, comparing it to a single null (SN) divertor. We employ a system identification approach using multi-sine perturbations to measure the dynamic response of the detached state in both Ohmic and auxiliary-heated L-mode scenarios upon D$_2$ fuelling, N$_2$ seeding and Electron Resonance Cyclotron Heating (ECRH) power modulations. We demonstrate an inherent disturbance rejection capacity of the XPT at its secondary X-point compared to a SN configuration for all perturbation scenarios. Upstream of its secondary X-point, the dynamic response of the detached state between the XPT and SN appears similar. The disturbance rejection capacity of the XPT could be highly beneficial for passively buffering disturbances that cannot be effectively managed by power exhaust controllers. At the same time, it presents a challenge for monitoring the detached state close to the secondary x-point.