Wendelstein 7-X: gapprotection grids forplasma vessel protection

Commissioned by the Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP), RST Rostock-System Technik has developed gap protection grids for the Wendelstein 7-X plasma vessel. Wendelstein 7-X is a fusion research system with whose help the suitability of type "Stellarator” fusion systems as power plants is demonstrated. A fusion power plant is supposed to generate energy from the fusion of atomic nuclei. As the core of the fusion research system, the filigree and high-precision gap protection grids protect the individually shaped plasma vessel against thermal overloads caused by heat radiation from the plasma.

The project incorporated the construction, manufacturing, cleaning, measurement, final control and delivery of gap protection grids for the plasma vessel’s baffle and wall protection elements. Within the scope of the design phase, several hundred variants were developed and adapted individually to the plasma vessel's contours. A total of some 4000 so-called double grids were produced in various shapes and sizes. The cleaning and following packaging for future use in an ultra-high vacuum took place in RST’s in-house clean room.