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Abstract: Development of advanced scenarios, an important experimental goal of the Korea superconducting tokamak advanced research (KSTAR) project, has just begun. The safety factor (q) profile is a key to achieve these advanced scenarios. Particularly the hybrid scenario, one of the advanced scenarios, can be established generally with low magnetic shear (s) at the center with central q-value above unity so to avoid sawtooth instability. This q-profile was successfully produced using early divertor formation during a plasma current ramp-up phase in KSTAR. Auxiliary heating was also employed during the current ramp-up phase to delay the inductive current diffusion to the center of the plasma. In addition to the early divertor formation method, the target q-profile was attempted to be achieved by modifying the plasma current waveform using the so-called, ‘current-overshoot’ method and the timing of L-mode to H-mode transition. In this work, the confinement characteristics of these sawtooth-free regimes are investigated. The global energy confinement time is calculated and compared with that of conventional H-modes in KSTAR. The confinement enhancement factor reveals that the newly developed discharges are not improved over H-modes contrary to results of other tokamaks. To investigate the reason, transport modeling is performed self-consistently with an integrated simulation package incorporating plasma equilibrium, transport, and heating and current drive. The current ramp-up phase is simulated and impact of early divertor formation, current-overshoot, and early L–H transition on the target q-profile and s/q profile is addressed. The s/q profile is found to be not improved in these discharges compared with hybrid scenarios reported in other tokamaks. Based on these results, future experimental directions are addressed to access the hybrid regimes in KSTAR. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In fusion research the ability to generate and sustain high performance fusion plasmas gains more and more importance. Optimal combinations of magnetic shape, temperature and density profiles as well as the confinement time are identified as advanced regimes. Safe operation in such regimes will be crucial for the success of ITER and later fusion reactors. The operational space, on the other hand, is characterized by nonlinear dependencies between plasma parameters. Various MHD limits must be avoided in order to minimize the risk of a disruption. Sophisticated feedback control schemes help to tackle this challenge. But these in turn require detailed information on plasma state in time to allow proper reaction. Control system and diagnostic systems therefore must establish a symbiotic relationship to carry out such schemes. Today, all major fusion devices implement such a concept. An implementation of such a concept with sustained integration is presented using the example of ASDEX Upgrade. It covers data communication via a real-time network, synchronization mechanisms for data-driven algorithm execution as well as operational aspects and exception handling for failure detection and recovery. A modular distributed software framework offers standardized user algorithm interfaces, automated workflow procedures and the application of various computer and network hardware components. Designed with a special focus on reliability, robustness and flexibility, it is a sound base for exploring ITER-relevant plasma regimes and control strategies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]