Selection of the flat top design point and plasma characterization for Tokamak Energy's Fusion Pilot Plant

Tokamak Energy is one of the private companies selected for the U.S. Department of Energy's Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program, which is supporting the fusion industry in advancing fusion towards technical and commercial viability. An attractive baseline design space has been identified with the following high-level machine and plasma parameters: major radius Rgeo=5 m, aspect ratio A=2.3, toroidal field BT=5.25 T, plasma current IP=13 - 15 MA, fusion power Pfus=1200 - 1500 MW, and auxiliary heating power up to Paux=75 MW. This talk will focus on the physics basis of plasma operating point and flattop scenario. The process of down-selecting design concepts starts with high-level scans using the whole plant systems code PyTok. Promising design points are then taken forward for further assessment using a 1.5D transport codes to integrate various simplified models and produce initial plasma equilibrium and kinetic profiles that can be used as input for subsequent modelling. We will present the highlights of this subsequent modelling, including linear gyrokinetic stability, linear MHD stability, pedestal stability, and exhaust considerations.