Poloidal field circuits sensitivity studies and shape control in FAST

The Fusion Advanced Studies Torus (FAST) conceptual study has been proposed as possible European ITER Satellite. This facility is aimed at exploring and preparing ITER operation scenarios as well as helping DEMO design and R&D. This paper presents the plasma position and shape control studies, focusing on the machine flexibility in terms of both operational space and physics that can be investigated. A model based sensitivity analysis is carried out, showing the dependence of the poloidal field (PF) system on the main parameters of the plasma. The analysis illustrates the capabilities in terms of plasma shape configurations, as for instance the possibility to achieve plasma with a ratio R/a ∼ 4, and the different influence of the vertical field circuits on the outer plasma shape, the up-down asymmetry of the machine, and the most demanding phases of a pulse, including for instance the strike points sweeping during the steady state of the reference scenario. These obtained results are applicable for the design of the divertor zone geometry and of the power supply amplifiers.