Full tokamak discharge simulation of ITER by combining DINA-CH and CRONOS

A full tokamak discharge simulator has been developed by combining a free-boundary equilibrium evolution code, DINA-CH, and an advanced transport modelling code, CRONOS. The combined tokamak discharge simulator provides a full simulation of a whole tokamak discharge, including non-linear coupling effects between the evolution of the free-boundary plasma equilibrium and transport. The free-boundary plasma equilibrium evolution is self-consistently calculated with the plasma current diffusion, in response to currents flowing in the PF coils and the surrounding conducting system. The heat and current source profiles calculated taking the free-boundary plasma equilibrium are used for the plasma transport. The constraints in operating a tokamak, such as the PF coil current and voltage limits, are taken into account. The potential of the combined tokamak discharge simulator is demonstrated by simulating whole operation phases of the inductive 15 MA ELMy H-mode ITER scenario 2. Issues related to ITER operation, such as respecting the coil current limit, vertical instability and poloidal flux consumption, are investigated. ITER hybrid mode operation is studied focusing on the capability of operating the plasma with a stationary flat safety factor profile.