Current status of tokamak T-15MD

•T-15MD project is aimed at obtaining a database for creating a thermonuclear neutron source for atomic energy needs.•Magnet system of T-15MD will confine the hot plasma in the divertor configuration.•Toroidal magnetic field at the plasma axis is 2 T, plasma current is 2 MA.•Preparation to physical start-up of tokamak T-15MD is completed.•T-15MD should begin operation in 2021. At the present time, the preparation to physical start-up of tokamak T-15MD is completed in the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”. The main parameters of T-15MD are: R = 1.48 m, a = 0.67 m, B = 2.0 T, Ipl = 2.0 MA. The magnet system is capable to maintain without overheating (more 60 °C) the plasma current of 2 MA for 4 s, 1 MA for 20 s, 700 kA for 40 s, 500 kA for 80 s, 300 kA for 160 s and 250 kA for 400 s. Plasma current drive can be maintained either by injection of fast neutrals or by electron cyclotron (EC)-, ion cyclotron (IC)- and low hybrid (LH) - waves. In August 2019 the electromagnetic system, consisting of TF and PF coils, together with vacuum vessel have been assembled in experimental hall. Power supply system of Tokamak T-15MD includes: two substations 110/10 kV, two substations 10/0.83 kV, thyristor convertors and different equipment. Total power consumption during the pulse with plasma current 2 MA and additional plasma heating of 20 MW will consist of 300 MVA. Power supply system is in the commissioning. Tokamak T-15MD will be operate using the information and control system. All the information and control system equipment, required for the implementation of physical start-up of tokamak T-15MD, is available. For plasma control the 250 different electromagnetic probes are installed inside vacuum vessel. The gyrotron with frequency 82.6 GHz and power of 1 MW will be used for pre-ionization.