Impact of the plasma boundary on machine operation and the risk mitigation strategy on JET

This work examines the separatrix and Scrape-off-Layer (SOL) characteristics in three scenarios on JET: the Quasi-Continuous Exhaust (QCE) regime, the ITER Baseline scenario, and the X-point Radiator (XPR) regime. All three scenarios are potentially compatible with reactor operations, as they aim to provide power exhaust solutions through different approaches. The QCE regime is distinguished by its generally higher separatrix and SOL collisionality, associating with broader SOL width. These features, combined with the near-double-null (DNX) configuration, introduce several operational challenges on JET. The resulting broader SOL width interact with fast Beam neutrals, contributing to an unfavourable power load on local limiter. The heat load on the Upper Dump Plate Tiles in the QCE regime can be up to 5–6 times higher compared to the other scenarios. Additionally, the energy distribution shows a pronounced inner-outer asymmetry in QCE pulses, with the energy deposited on the outer limiter being up to four times higher than on the inner limiter. However, through careful operational planning and robust real-time protection system, the power loads were effectively managed within acceptable limits during QCE pulses, enabling successful scientific outcomes. As a result, the QCE regime serves as a case study to illustrate the critical need for integrating physics understanding, risk identification, operational strategies, and robust real-time protection to successfully implement new scenarios for fusion devices.