In the high-stakes world of nuclear fusion research, precision and speed are paramount. A recent breakthrough in control algorithms for thyristor rectifiers could revolutionize the way power supplies operate in fusion test reactors, potentially accelerating the development of clean, sustainable energy sources. The research, led by TAO Hongliang, was published in the journal *Control and Information Technology* (Kongzhi Yu Xinxi Jishu).
Thyristor rectifiers are the backbone of power supplies in nuclear fusion plasma research, driving the coils that generate the magnetic fields essential for containing plasma. However, traditional feedback control algorithms have struggled to keep up with the rapid and complex changes in plasma loads, often resulting in slow response times, significant overshoot, and prolonged stabilization periods.
TAO Hongliang and his team have developed a novel feedforward and feedback fast dynamic response algorithm that addresses these challenges head-on. “The key innovation here is the combination of feedforward and feedback control,” explains TAO. “By quantitatively analyzing and compensating for the commutation voltage drop of the thyristor and the voltage drop on the reactor and thyristor, we can achieve a much faster and more precise response.”
The algorithm calculates the feedforward voltage by adding a given reference value, which is then used to quickly determine the thyristor’s trigger angle. This approach, which prioritizes feedforward voltage control with feedback voltage control as a supplementary method, has demonstrated remarkable improvements in performance.
In practical applications, the new algorithm was tested on the WEST divertor coil power supply of the French Atomic Energy Commission. The results were impressive: the full power step response time of the power supply was reduced to within 2 milliseconds from startup to stability, marking a 90% improvement in response speed. Moreover, the system achieved zero overshoot, a significant advancement over traditional methods.
The implications of this research extend beyond the realm of nuclear fusion. “This algorithm has the potential to be applied in various high-performance power supply systems where fast dynamic response is crucial,” says TAO. “It could enhance the efficiency and reliability of power supplies in industries ranging from renewable energy to advanced manufacturing.”
As the world continues to seek sustainable and efficient energy solutions, innovations like TAO’s algorithm play a pivotal role in pushing the boundaries of what is possible. By improving the control and stability of power supplies, this research not only advances the field of nuclear fusion but also paves the way for broader applications in the energy sector. The journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable future just got a little faster and a lot more precise.