Design and construction status of the energy system for the ZTH experiment

A large-scale reversed-field pinch fusion experiment called ZTH is being designed and built at Los Alamos. Initially, the machine will be operating at a 1.7-MA plasma current, however, the machine can be upgraded to a 4-MA current with many of the components (such as the torus, coil system, and electrical power source) already having the 4-MA capability. The first plasma discharges are expected to take place in the spring of 1993. Major electrical power equipment components, such as a 1430-MVA generator, controlled power supplies, isolation and opening switches, current interrupter, capacitor banks, and transfer resistor are being designed and procured for this experiment. The design philosophy of the electrical system is explained. Test results of in-house research are described, and the procurement status of the major components is summarized.<>