The electric power handling from present machines to fusion power stations

A review of power supply systems in toroidal magnetic confinement devices is given, including toroidal and poloidal field circuits, configuration control and auxiliary heating. The interaction between power supply systems and the electric grid is discussed, considering limits in active and reactive power and stability problems. The most important issues in the utilized technologies for power handling are described; in particular those related to the different energy storage methods, the energy conversion and the dc switching. The experience gained with present fusion machines is highligted and the problems related to electric power handling foreseen for DEMO and power reactors are considered.