Lifetime Prolongation of ICRF Generators, Practical Aspects and Results.

To overcome final tube obsolescence of 2MW generators in service for AUG and to gain hands on experience with a potentially ITER relevant tetrode from CPI, a 1.5 MW generator, previously used for ASDEX and W7-AS and described in [4], was converted using a 4CM2500KG based plug & play replacement for the CQK650-2 tetrode. A similar conversion, substituting a different tetrode was reported in [3] and served as a guideline. IPP Garching reactivated the generator that had been out of service for many years and prepared and tested the required infrastructure. A mechanical adaptation kit designed by ITER India was manufactured by IPP Garching. Fitting the generator with the tube replacement and testing it was a joint activity at IPP Garching. With a careful tune up the generator achieved 1.5 MW RF output power. Further infrastructural improvements to reach 2MW are on the way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]