Implications of ITER requirements on R and D of RF heating and current drive systems

A strategic, rather than auxiliary role is assigned to H and CD systems in ITER-FEAT, as all operation phases are driven and controlled by heating and current drive (H and CD) systems. RF systems (Electron Cyclotron, Ion Cyclotron and Lower Hybrid), planned to contribute for ∼60% of ITER auxiliary power (72 MW), still require different level of pre-industrial technology development to operate in ITER at the required level of efficiency and religiosite. In this paper, RF H and CD systems technical and operational issues are reviewed and future R and D actions at CEA-Cadarache discussed, with the aim of providing a demonstration of all RF H and CD systems, within the current ITER construction time scale. The need and the economical advantage of an early on- and off- plasma design validation program for ITER-like RF devices (such as launcher and/or power sources), is also discussed with the aim of identifying and resolving operational issues. (author)