Wendelstein 7-X Mechanical Instrumentation System for Commissioning and Operation

The modular stellarator Wendelstein 7-X in Greifswald, Germany, is currently in the state of commissioning. The sophisticated superconducting magnet system with 50 non-planar and 10 planar coils will be operated at 4K and has to sustain high electromagnetic loads. The likewise quite complex cryostat comprises the outer vessel, plasma vessel, and 254 ports of different types connecting the plasma and outer vessels.

The magnet and cryostat systems are instrumented with more than 800 strain gauges, distance, and contact sensors. Implementation and expected results of this extended mechanical instrumentation is the scope of this paper.