Tungsten based divertor development for Wendelstein 7-X

Wendelstein 7-X, the world’s largest superconducting stellarator in Greifswald (Germany), started plasma experiments with a water-cooled plasma-facing wall including a CFC based divertor in 2022, allowing for long pulse operation. In parallel, a project was launched in 2021 to develop a W based divertor, to demonstrate plasma performance of a stellarator with a reactor relevant plasma facing materials with low tritium retention. The project consists of two tasks: Based on experience from the previous experimental campaigns and improved physics modelling, the geometry of the plasma-facing surface of the divertor and baffles is optimized to prevent overloads and to improve exhaust. In parallel, the manufacturing technology for a W based target module is qualified.
This presentation gives a status update of project.