The ITER earthing topology: Mesh-Common Bonding Network

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is a key issue in the functioning of the industrial and scientific installation. ITER is one the world´s most challenging projects, where the best EMC practices are required to ensure the operation of the machine. This document describes the design of the ITER MESH-Common Bonding Network (MESH-CBN), which is based on the international standards IEC 61000-5-2, IEC 62305-1 to 4 and the French rules for nuclear facilities (RCC-E), and which should improve the signal to noise ratio in the diagnostics signals by up to 60 dB, compared with classical single point designs. An experiment to demonstrate the benefits of a MESH-CBN in the Tokamak Alcator C-Mod in Boston is also described.