Power supplies in the LIPAc accelerators for the IFMIF

Material testing and qualification in the nuclear fusion’s world is sensitive. Every component needs to be carefully selected, tested and qualified before its use in a real-life situation. This is the mission of the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF) and Jema is proud to play a (small) role in IFMIF’s development.

IFMIF is an accelerator-based neutron source that produces, using deuterium-lithium nuclear reactions, a large neutron flux with a spectrum similar to that expected at the first wall of a fusion reactor (source: IFMIF).

LIPAc is a prototype, presently under commissioning in Rokkasho (Japan) for the frontend section of one the IFMIF accelerator. The following components have been supplied by European countries:

• Eight quadrupole magnets
• Six pairs of corrector magnets
• One dipole

The design of combined magnets with the correctors integrated in the quadrupoles was done in Europe before sending the equipment in Japan.

Jema France has provided independent power supplies for each quadrupole and corrector magnet. The solution needed to meet specific requirements and has therefore some characteristics such as:

• Four-quadrant to deliver positive and negative voltages and current to ensure that energy stored in the magnet is safely extracted in the event of a failure.
• High level of precision, in particular for the power supplies used for quadrupoles
• Water cooling (for quadrupoles) and air cooling (for steerers)

All the power supplies were integrated into three cabinets and underwent successful acceptance tests.