We present the first nonlinear, gyrokinetic, radially global simulation of a discharge of the Wendelstein 7-X-like stellarator, including kinetic electrons, an equilibrium radial electric field, as well as electromagnetic and collisional effects. By comparison against flux-tube and full-flux-surface simulations, we assess the impact of the equilibrium ExB-flow and flow shear on the stabilisation of turbulence. In contrast to the existing literature, we further provide substantial evidence for the turbulent electron heat flux being driven by trapped-electron-mode and electron-temperature-gradient turbulence in the core of the plasma. The former manifests as a hybrid together with ion-temperature-gradient turbulence and is primarily driven by the finite electron temperature gradient, which has largely been neglected in nonlinear stellarator simulations presented in the existing literature.
This paper presents the first comprehensive simulation of a Wendelstein 7-X stellarator discharge, including key plasma phenomena like turbulence driven by trapped electrons and electron temperature gradients. The findings challenge existing assumptions and provide important insights for fusion energy research.