Characterization of the improved H-mode at ASDEX upgrade and projection to ITER

High confinement and stability are obtained simultaneously in stationary conditions in improved H-modes at ASDEX Upgrade. In this paper, improved H-modes are characterized and projected to ITER, hybrid scenarios. The core heat transport is analyzed by using the ASTRA code employing the Weiland transport model which shows good agreement with experimental observations. The edge transport is studied with respect to the electron pedestal pressure, and the origin of the confinement improvement is discussed. From transport studies, improved H-modes can be characterized as a regime with the enhanced edge confinement while the core transport is similar to standard H-modes. A typical improved H-mode is extrapolated to ITER by assuming the same plasma configuration, kinetic profiles, H-98(y, 2), beta(N), and so on. The thermonuclear power/input power (Q) = 4.93, and a non-inductive current drive fraction of 48% is obtained in the ITER hybrid scenario.