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In a world increasingly facing new challenges at the forefront of plasma scientific research and technological innovation, CNR and ISTP pledge progress and achieve an impact in the integration of research into societal practices and policy

New Equipment for Fusion Experimental Research & Technological Advancements with Rfx Infrastructure

The NEFERTARI project will contribute to substantial innovation in the plasma systems and diagnostics of the RFX-mod2 device, which is part of the ESFRI infrastructure and managed by the RFX Consortium and ISTP-Padova.

RFX is a device included among the High Priority R&D Infrastructures in the National Research Program 2021-2027 in the Energy sector. It is operated and managed by the RFX Consortium, which was active from 1999 to 2015 and is currently undergoing modifications.

GOALS

  • Renovate the RFX-mod2 plants and equip it with innovative diagnostics
  • Create and strengthen a national network of CNR laboratories, University of Naples and University of Padova
  • Contribute to the development of fusion science and technology in Italy to support DTT, ITER, and DEMO

RFX-mod2 is a facility dedicated to nuclear fusion as a carbon-free energy source studies. It can operate in both Reversed Field Pinch (RFP) and Tokamak configurations. RFX-mod2 is currently undergoing upgrades, thanks to the European contribution from the POR-FESR 2014-202 program for technological innovation in the Veneto Region.

The renewal of the technological facilities will ensure the reliability of experimental operations. The installation of new diagnostic systems will enhance the device's capabilities for a more in-depth understanding of plasma properties. This will strengthen and pursue the RFX-mod mission for the next ten years.

New diagnostic systems and renewed facilities, distributed among various Work Packages (WP), will significantly improve RFX-mod2's capacity to explore the potential of the RFP configuration as an alternative to the Tokamak configuration and to contribute to specific aspects of Tokamaks.

The following upgrades are planned:

• A new vacuum system and refurbished toroidal field power supply.

• A modern remote control system with the support of the Universities of Naples and Padova.

• Real-time control of the magnetic field, developed in collaboration with the University of Naples.

• A significant enhancement of several key diagnostics – SXR and H-alpha tomography, electron temperature via Thomson Scattering, neutral particle analyzers, fast ion detectors, and ion temperature measurement systems.

• Satellite laboratories in Bari and Milan for neutron detectors, LIBS, and plasma-wall interaction studies.

PROJECT DETAILS

Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Capofila

 

           ISTP Research units in Milano, Padova and Bari

 

Università degli Studi di Padova
          Centro Ricerche Fusione CRF

 

 
Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
         Dip.to di Ingegneria Elettrica e delle Tecnologie dell’Informazione - DIETI
         Dip.to di Ingegneria Industriale (DII)

 
The project is carried out at the Consorzio RFX where the RFX-mod2 infrastructure is located, at the ISTP research units in Milano and Bari, and in Napoli.

Scientific Coordinator: Lionello Marrelli
Financial Officer: Monica Spolaore
Infrastructure Manager: Simone Peruzzo

PNRR – Avviso n 3264 per il "Rafforzamento e creazione di Infrastrutture di Ricerca", Missione 4, "Istruzione e Ricerca"

 

18 M €

 

Start date 01/11/2022

End of the Project: 30/04/2025

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LINKS

CONTACTS

COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION:
comunicazione@istp.cnr.it

 

PROJECT TIMELINE

PHASE 1

Start
NOVEMBER 2022

PHASE 2

Project Manager
MAY 2023

PHASE 3

Procurement Phase
MAY 2023

PHASE 4

8 new researchers at CNR
MAY-JUNE 2023

PHASE 5

End
APRIL 2025

WP-1: RFX-mod Technological Plants

Increased operational flexibility of the IR will be achieved through new and advanced installations, including improved confinement and increased upper density limit in high-current plasma operations. A new remote maintenance system will allow for faster inspection of damaged first wall components and greater flexibility in studying the Plasma-Wall Interaction (PWI).
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WP-2: Electromagnetic measurements and feedback control in RFX-mod2

The installation of over 1000 electromagnetic sensors will further enhance the reactor remarkable feedback control capabilities for magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instabilities. A state-of-the-art acquisition system for machine protection and rapid control of saddle coils will be an important legacy for the DTT tokamak.
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WP-3: Innovative diagnostics for edge fusion plasmas

A new edge diagnostic system, useful for studying RFP and Tokamak plasmas, will be installed in RFX-mod2 to measure electron temperature, density, and floating potential using a complete set of electrostatic sensors. A fast insertable manipulator will allow detailed edge measurements even for high plasma current values.
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WP-4: Enhancement of RFX-mod2 main plasma diagnostics

A new Thomson scattering and double-filter X-ray tomography (SXR) system will enable the measurement of the electron temperature profile of the plasma with improved spatial and temporal resolution.
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WP-5: Neutral beams injectors in RFX-mod2

The injection of a neutral particle beam into RFX-mod2 will allow for the measurement of the internal magnetic field, central turbulence, fast particle dynamics, and ion temperature profile. Additionally, it will enable the study of fast particles in both the RFP and Tokamak configurations.
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WP-6: Laboratory of High Voltage insultation in fusion devices

A laboratory for the experimental and modeling study of all issues related to electrical insulation will be set up in Padua. The compatibility of materials used for electrical insulation in high ultravacuum is of great technological interest in fusion devices.
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WP-7: Laboratory for the study of fusion relevant high-density plasmas and material interactions

A new experimental device, called BiGyM, will be deployed at ISTP-Milan to study and test innovative components directly exposed to the plasma. BiGyM, which represents an evolution of the GyM experiment, aims to actively support and complement the PWI experimental program of RFX-mod2, with a focus on advancing towards DTT (Divertor Tokamak Test) capabilities.
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WP-8: Laboratory for innovative diagnostics for imaging of soft X-rays and neutrons

The nuclear diagnostics laboratory at ISTP-Milan will be enhanced to develop and test new instrumentation for application in RFX-mod2, thereby expanding expertise and experimental knowledge for DTT and other international facilities.
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WP-9: Research and Development of optical plasma diagnosticsand modelling for fusion

A new laboratory (ISTP Bari) devoted to the development, test and calibration of optical will be deployed. Emission and laser-aided diagnostics, together with a computational laboratory will be developed. The experimental test facilities will be related to plasma exposed material measurements and optical edge diagnostics. A specific laboratory will boost the development of diagnostic techniques, with dedicated lasers, detectors and and small lab-scale testing facilities.
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NEFERTARI, SO FAR...

Nefertari, Egyptian queen (1295 BC - 1255 BC)

• she was a "great royal wife", exceptionally cultured

• she had great influence in the politics of her time, although she did not reign autonomously  

• she was defined as "the one for whom the sun shines"

Nefertari Bibi is a character in the popular manga "One Piece", which is well-known around the world alongside "Dragon Ball" and "Naruto".

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