Design of a centralized control system for a plasma machine with superconducting helical magnets

Abstract A centralized control system necessary for experimental fusion machines is discussed. A two-layered configuration where a number of complete local systems are controlled by a central computer, is appropriate as control system for the Large Helical Device. All the local systems can be uniformly operated with global cooperation by a few operators through general-purpose consoles as the central computer. Fast control, which cannot be supported by the uniform control, is aided by a precise but pre-programmable timing generator and an interlock for emergency response. Special safety requirements during a coil quench are studied under the condition that the enormous stored energy must be released in a short time after the quench.