Elevating 0-D global scaling predictions to self-consistent theory-based simulations

A new workflow in the OMFIT integrated modelling framework (STEP-0D) has been developed to make theory-based prediction of tokamak scenarios starting from zero-dimensional (0D) quantities. The workflow starts with the PRO-create (profiles creator) module, which generates physically plausible plasma profiles and a consistent equilibrium from the same 0D quantities as the IPB98(y,2) confinement scaling. These results form the starting point for the STEP (Stability, Transport, Equilibrium, and Pedestal) module, which then iterates between state-of-the-art theory-based physics models for the equilibrium, core transport, and pedestal to obtain a self-consistent solution. A systematic validation against the International Tokamak Physics Activity (ITPA) global H-mode confinement database demonstrated that on average STEP-0D is capable of predicting the energy confinement time with a mean relative error (MRE) <19%. The validated workflow was used to predict proposed fusion reactor plasmas finding moderate H-factors between 0.9 and 1.2 its further use will be instrumental for the prediction of the plasma performance of a viable fusion power plant and is being utilized in design studies.