Measurement and modeling of magnetic configurations to mimic overload scenarios in the W7-X stellarator

Experiments were performed during the first divertor operational phase (OP1.2a) of the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator to verify predictions of potential overload conditions corresponding to certain high-power long-pulse OP2 scenarios. A potential solution to this overload is the installation of new divertor components called scraper elements, which are designed to intercept heat flux that would otherwise be incident on low-rated divertor edges. Heat flux measurements were obtained in a series of magnetic configurations designed to mimic the magnetic topology evolution caused by net toroidal current and beta, which is not directly accessible in OP1.2a. The experimental flux patterns are qualitatively reproduced in position and magnitude for by field line diffusion simulations using ad hoc cross-field diffusivities near the value used to design the scraper element. However, some important differences are observed, including a shift towards the pumping gap and low-rated components. Potential sources of discrepancy such as toroidal current evolution and error fields are discussed. A shift in the experimental heat flux pattern due to increasing toroidal current is observed in a 12 s discharge.