Modeling AC losses in the ITER NbTi poloidal field full size joint sample (PF-FSJS) using the THELMA code

A first validation of the full version of the thermal–hydraulic electromagnetic (THELMA) code, developed for the analysis of transients in the cable-in-conduit conductors and coils relevant for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is presented here. THELMA includes electromagnetic models of the cable joints and terminations (lumped parameter) and of the conductor (distributed parameter), while for the thermal–hydraulics of the helium coolant it includes a compressible 1D flow model. The AC losses induced by a pulsed coil in the NbTi poloidal field full size joint sample (PF-FSJS) right leg conductor, tested in 2002 at the Sultan facility in Villigen (CH), are considered as test bed for this exercise. The computed energy deposition and evolution of the temperature downstream of the heated zone are in good agreement with the measured values. However, the inter-bundle electrical conductances needed in input by the code are compatible with measured values only when a sufficiently refined model is used in the cable cross-section.