Optimization of the power supply demand for plasma shape control in a tokamak

We focus on the estimation of the minimum poloidal field coil voltages for the plasma shape control in a tokamak. For given coil locations and for a class of disturbances we propose a procedure for the evaluation of the minimum voltages needed to guarantee that the plasma boundary displacement remains within specified limits. The impact of this problem on the minimization of the power supply cost is discussed for the case of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).