SST LHCD System

•The LHCD system is an integral part of the SST machine and intends to sustain plasma for 1000 seconds for CW operation of SST machine.

•3.7 GHz, 2 MW CW LHCD system intends to drive plasma current non-inductively.

•It is designed to drive 220 kA of plasma current at an average plasma density of 2x10-19 m-3 having average electron plasma temperature of 1 keV at a toroidal magnetic field of 3 T.

•Four klystrons, each rated for 0.5 MW, CW power at 3.7 GHz, is employed to generate the lower hybrid waves.

•The klystrons are tested for rated power for more than 1000 seconds on dummy loads using a high voltage DC power supply (65kV, 20A).

•Conventional antenna, often called as ‘Grill’, is used to launch lower hybrid waves in the plasma.