Tools for Image Analysis and First Wall Protection at W7-X

The Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) is the most advanced operating stellarator in fusion research. The monitoring and control of the heat loads on the plasma-facing components (PFCs) will be critical during the next operation phase in which the ten water-cooled divertors will have to withstand heat loads of the order of 10 MW/m². This paper gives an overview of the image analysis tools for camera spatial calibration and scene modeling that are an essential part of the real-time PFC protection system currently under development at the W7-X. Some applications of these tools are also provided, specifically for the strike-line characterization.