Exploitation of modularity in the JET tokamak vertical stabilization system

The vertical stabilization system of the JET tokamak has been recently upgraded. This new system enables a more sensitive control of the plasma geometry and can withstand larger perturbations, enabling to push the plasma performance to its limits without risking a severe control loss, which might endanger the machine integrity. The project was successfully delivered in the course of 2009. This paper introduces the architecture of the new JET vertical stabilization system, discussing how its modularity enabled the system to provide different experimental features in several operational environments. Furthermore, some of the major achievements of the commissioning activity and of the regular operation during the 2008/2009 experimental campaigns are presented.