Hybrid System of Systems Control : the TOKAMAK scenario

Abstract

The basic definition of System-of-Systems (SoS) is that of a large-scale integration of many independent, self-contained systems having the common aim of satisfying a global need. Under this perspective, lots of systems of systems can be found in several fields where a common final goal drives systems towards a final SoS state. In nuclear fusion research area, several examples of SoS applications can be made. From the integration of all the constituents of the TOKAMAK machines which work together to achieve a sustained nuclear fusion reaction, to the circuits made of active analogue components mimicking plasma behavior, to the neural networks made of connected units working together in order to predict plasma variables behavior. In this work, investigation of several SoS relevant in TOKAMAK scenario is performed and interesting results enhancing the plant capabilities provided. This thesis itself has been structured with a SoS-like structures where the integration of self-contained chapters is performed in order to satisfy the global goal that is improving TOKAMAK performances.