Electronically heated solid working fluid anode, heating method and Hall thruster

Abstract

The present invention provides an electronically heated solid working fluid anode, a heating method, and a Hall thruster, comprising: a distributor, a solid working fluid, a spring, a base, and a pressure plate; the distributor and the base are connected and enclosed to form a housing space, in which the solid working fluid, the spring, and the pressure plate are installed; one side of the solid working fluid is tightly attached to the distributor, and the pressure plate is provided on the other side, with the spring provided between the pressure plate and the base; the solid working fluid is heated and sublimated into a gaseous state by the heat generated by electrons emitted by a hollow cathode bombarding the solid working fluid anode. The present invention integrates the storage and flow control modules of the solid working fluid with the anode, and uses an electron bombardment heating method to achieve working fluid sublimation, eliminating the need for additional working fluid storage, flow control modules, and heating modules, significantly increasing the storage density of the working fluid and greatly simplifying the design of the Hall electric propulsion system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of Hall thrusters, and in particular to an electronically heated solid working fluid anode, a heating method and a Hall thruster. Background Art

[0002] The Hall thruster is mainly composed of a hollow cathode, an anode / gas distributor, a discharge chamber, a magnetic circuit, etc. The propellant enters the discharge chamber through the anode / gas distributor. Under the combined action of the electric field generated between the hollow cathode and the anode and the magnetic field generated by the magnetic circuit, the electrons emitted by the hollow cathode are ionized and ejected to generate thrust.

[0003] Xenon gas, with its relatively mature storage and flow control technologies, is currently the most commonly used propellant for electric propulsion. However, xenon is expensive and its Earth reserves are limited. With the increasing use of space electric propulsion, especially the rapid development of commercial spaceflight, there is an urgent need for low-cost solid-fluid electric propulsion technology. Hall thrusters based on solid fluids offer advantages such as high reliability, high thrust-to-power ratio, simple structure, and low cost, making them a hot topic in electric propulsion development.

[0004] Xenon gas is stored and supplied via gas cylinders and flow control modules. Conventional solid fluid storage and supply solutions all add a heating module to the aforementioned xenon solution to ensure that the solid fluid is transported in a gaseous state. Patents CN114922791A, CN108798935A, and WO2017176843A1 disclose methods for maintaining the transport of solid fluids in a gaseous state by adding heaters or heating modules. Patent CN115163440A discloses a Hall thruster anode structure for solid fluids that prevents condensation of the solid fluid by adding a heating unit to the bottom of the anode. These methods all increase the complexity of the system or anode structure. Furthermore, patent CN108533469A discloses a self-heating electric thruster fluid supply device and electric thruster. These devices are heated by radio frequency waves emitted by the electric thruster's radio frequency antenna, eliminating the need for an additional heating module, reducing power consumption, and preventing condensation. However, this radio frequency antenna heating method is not suitable for Hall thrusters.

[0005] To solve the above problems, it is necessary to propose a self-heating solid working fluid anode for Hall thrusters, which can realize the conversion of the working fluid between solid and gaseous states, save additional working fluid storage, flow control modules and thermal control modules, and achieve long-term and stable supply of flow. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the defects in the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an electronically heated solid working fluid anode, a heating method and a Hall thruster.

[0007] According to the present invention, an electronically heated solid working medium anode is provided, comprising: a distributor, a solid working medium, a spring, a base and a pressure plate;

[0008] The distributor and the base are connected and enclosed to form an accommodating space, and the solid working medium, the spring and the pressure plate are installed in the accommodating space;

[0009] One side of the solid working medium is tightly attached to the distributor, and the pressure plate is arranged on the other side. The spring is arranged between the pressure plate and the base.

[0010] Preferably, a fixing column is installed on the base, and a plurality of the fixing columns are provided.

[0011] Preferably, an array of through holes communicating with the accommodating space is provided on an end surface of the distributor facing away from the base.

[0012] Preferably, the dispenser and the base are configured as hollow structures.

[0013] Preferably, the distributor, the spring, the base, the fixing column and the pressure plate are made of a conductive material that is compatible with the solid working medium, and the solid working medium includes a dense non-metallic or metallic solid substance.

[0014] Preferably, the spring is in a compressed state;

[0015] The pressing plate is in contact with the side wall of the accommodating space, and the pressing plate slides relative to the side wall of the accommodating space.

[0016] Preferably, the fixing column is installed in a discharge chamber, the discharge chamber is arranged in the magnetic circuit, and a discharge channel is arranged in the discharge chamber.

[0017] Preferably, the fixing column is connected to the positive pole of the power supply, and the hollow cathode is connected to the negative pole of the power supply. An electric field is formed between the hollow cathode and the distributor, and electrons from the hollow cathode are projected from the discharge channel to the end of the distributor facing away from the base through the electric field.

[0018] The solid working medium is heated and sublimated into gaseous state by the heat generated by electrons emitted by the hollow cathode and bombarding the solid working medium anode.

[0019] Preferably, a method for heating the electronically heated solid working fluid anode comprises the following steps:

[0020] Step S1, starting the hollow cathode of the Hall thruster and adjusting the current of the hollow cathode;

[0021] Step S2, adjusting the voltage of the power supply until the solid working fluid anode turns red;

[0022] Step S3, turning on the magnetic circuit power supply of the Hall thruster and adjusting the output current of the magnetic circuit power supply until the Hall thruster starts;

[0023] Step S4, adjusting the hollow cathode current and the power supply voltage to a stable operating condition of the Hall thruster, completing the start-up of the thruster, and completing the heating of the solid working fluid anode.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] 1. This invention is a solid working fluid anode designed for Hall thrusters. It integrates the solid working fluid storage and flow control modules with the anode, and uses electron bombardment heating to achieve working fluid sublimation. This eliminates the need for additional working fluid storage, flow control, and heating modules, significantly increasing the working fluid storage density and greatly simplifying the design of the Hall electric propulsion system.

[0026] 2. The present invention adopts a self-heating mode in which electrons emitted from the thruster's hollow cathode bombard the anode, eliminating the need for an additional heating module and greatly simplifying the design of solid-fluid Hall thrusters.

[0027] 3. The present invention can achieve wide-range regulation of heating power by changing the hollow cathode electron emission current and the anode voltage. The maximum anode temperature can reach 1000°C and above, and can realize phase control of various solid working fluids such as iodine, bismuth, magnesium, and zinc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the following drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the principle structure of the solid working fluid electron bombardment heating method of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 This is the structure diagram of the electronically heated solid working fluid anode (I);

[0031] Figure 3 This is the structure diagram of the electronically heated solid working fluid anode (II);

[0032] As shown in the figure:

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. The following examples will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but are not intended to limit the present invention in any form. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several changes and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. These all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment includes: a distributor 1, a solid working medium 2, a spring 3, a base 4, a fixed column 5, and a pressure plate 6; the materials of the distributor 1, the spring 3, the base 4, the fixed column 5, and the pressure plate 6 must be selected from conductive materials that are compatible with the solid working medium 2, and the melting point of the material must be high enough; the distributor 1 is a hollow structure, the top thickness does not exceed 5mm and is distributed with a through-hole array with an aperture of 0.2mm-1.0mm. The array can be single row, double row, and multiple rows, and the array can be uniformly or non-uniformly distributed; the base 4 is a hollow structure, and there are more than or equal to 2 fixed columns 5 at the bottom, and at least one fixed column 5 is used as an anode terminal to connect the positive pole of the power supply 11. The base 4 is tightly connected to the distributor 1, and the distributor 1 and the base 4 form an accommodating space 10, in which the solid working medium 2, the pressure plate 6, and the spring 3 are placed; the solid working medium 2 is a dense non-metallic or metallic solid substance, commonly iodine, bismuth, magnesium, zinc, etc.; the pressure plate 6 is placed below the solid working medium 2 and above the spring 3, tightly fitting with the wall of the distributor 1 and can move freely, and the solid working medium 2 is in close contact with the top of the distributor 1 through the spring 3 and the pressure plate 6; the spring 3 is always in a compressed state under the restriction of the base 4 and the pressure plate 6, and the spring 3 is commonly a coil spring, a wave spring, etc.

[0037] Working principle:

[0038] This embodiment utilizes a heating method in which electrons emitted from the hollow cathode 12 of the Hall thruster bombard the anode, eliminating the need for a separate heating module. The electron current emitted by the hollow cathode 12 is several amperes, and the voltage of the power supply 11 is hundreds to thousands of volts. The power of the electrons bombarding the top of the distributor 1 can reach hundreds to thousands of watts. The hollow cathode 12 emits electrons, the positive pole of the power supply 11 is connected to the fixed column 5 of the base 4, and the negative pole of the power supply 11 is connected to the hollow cathode 12. An electric field is formed between the solid working fluid anode and the hollow cathode 12. The electrons emitted by the hollow cathode 12 are accelerated by the electric field and hit the top of the distributor 1, causing the temperature of the distributor 1 to rise. By changing the electron emission current of the hollow cathode 12 and the voltage of the power supply 11, the temperature of the top of the distributor 1 can reach 1000°C or above; the heat at the top of the distributor 1 is transferred to the solid working fluid 2, and the solid working fluid 2 is heated from solid to gaseous; the gaseous solid working fluid 2 enters the discharge channel 9 evenly through the through-hole array at the top of the distributor 1, and is ionized, accelerated, and ejected in the discharge channel 9 to generate thrust; the part of the solid working fluid 2 in contact with the top of the distributor 1 is consumed first, and under the action of the spring 3 and the pressure plate 6, the solid working fluid 2 is always in close contact with the top of the distributor 1, so that a continuous supply of solid working fluid 2 can be achieved.

[0039] Specifically, the method includes the following steps:

[0040] Step 1: Start the hollow cathode 12 of the Hall thruster by adjusting the current of the hollow cathode 12 within a range of 1-10A, and then adjusting the voltage of the power supply 11 within a range of 100-10000V until the solid working fluid anode becomes visibly red.

[0041] Step 2: Turn on the power supply of the Hall thruster magnetic circuit 8 and adjust the output current of the power supply of the magnetic circuit 8 until the Hall thruster starts;

[0042] Step 3: gradually adjust the current of the hollow cathode 12 and the voltage of the power supply 11 to the stable working condition of the Hall thruster, and the thruster is started.

[0043] Example 2

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, this embodiment includes: a distributor 1, a solid working medium 2 of magnesium metal, a coil spring 3, a base 4, a fixed column 5, and a pressure plate 6; the material of the distributor 1, the spring 3, the base 4, the fixed column 5, and the pressure plate 6 is stainless steel; the distributor 1 is a hollow structure, the top thickness is 2 mm and there are 3 rows of through-hole arrays evenly distributed, the 3 rows of through-hole arrays are staggered 4.5°, and the aperture is 0.5 mm; the base 4 is a hollow structure, and there are 4 fixed columns 5 at the bottom, one of which is an anode terminal connected to the positive pole of the power supply 11, and the base 4 is connected to the distributor 1 by laser welding; the distributor 1 and the base 4 form an accommodating space 10, and the solid working medium 2, the pressure plate 6, and the coil spring 3 are placed in the accommodating space 10; the pressure plate 6 is placed below the solid working medium 2 and above the coil spring 3, and the solid working medium 2 is in close contact with the top of the distributor 1 through the coil spring 3 and the pressure plate 6; the coil spring 3 is always in a compressed state under the restriction of the base 4 and the pressure plate 6.

[0045] The solid working fluid anode of magnesium metal adopts the heating mode of electron bombardment of the anode emitted by the hollow cathode 12. The hollow cathode 12 emits an electron current of 3.2A. The positive pole of the power supply 11 is connected to the fixed column 5 of the base 4 and outputs a voltage of 500V. The negative pole of the power supply 11 is connected to the hollow cathode 12. An electric field is formed between the solid working fluid anode and the hollow cathode 12. The electrons emitted by the hollow cathode 12 are accelerated to the top of the distributor 1 under the action of the electric field. It is estimated that 1.6kW of energy will be transferred to the top of the distributor 1, causing the temperature of the distributor 1 to rise to 725K. The heat from the top of the distributor 1 is transferred to the solid working medium 2, and the temperature of the solid working medium 2 can reach about 720K. The solid working medium 2 of magnesium metal is heated and changes from solid to gaseous. The gaseous solid working medium 2 enters the discharge channel 9 evenly through the through-hole array at the top of the distributor 1, and is ionized, accelerated, and ejected by electrons from the hollow cathode 12 in the discharge channel 9 to generate thrust. The part of the solid working medium 2 that contacts the top of the distributor 1 is consumed first. Under the action of the coil spring 3 and the pressure plate 6, the solid working medium 2 is always in close contact with the top of the distributor 1, so that a continuous supply of solid working medium 2 can be achieved.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0047] The above describes specific embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the essence of the present invention. The embodiments of this application and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other in any manner unless there is a conflict.

Claims

1. A method for heating an electronically heated solid working fluid anode, characterized in that: include: Distributor (1), solid working medium (2), spring (3), base (4) and pressure plate (6); The distributor (1) and the base (4) are connected and enclosed to form an accommodating space (10), and the solid working medium (2), the spring (3) and the pressure plate (6) are installed in the accommodating space (10); One side of the solid working medium (2) is tightly attached to the distributor (1), and the pressure plate (6) is provided on the other side, and the spring (3) is provided between the pressure plate (6) and the base (4); A fixing column (5) is installed on the base (4); The fixing column (5) is installed in a discharge chamber (7), the discharge chamber (7) is arranged in a magnetic circuit (8), and a discharge channel (9) is arranged in the discharge chamber (7); The fixing column (5) is connected to the positive electrode of the power supply (11), and the hollow cathode (12) is connected to the negative electrode of the power supply (11). An electric field is formed between the hollow cathode (12) and the distributor (1), and electrons from the hollow cathode (12) are projected from the discharge channel (9) to the end of the distributor (1) facing away from the base (4) through the electric field. The following steps are involved: Step S1, starting the hollow cathode (12) of the Hall thruster and adjusting the current of the hollow cathode (12); Step S2, adjusting the voltage of the power supply (11) until the solid working fluid anode turns red; Step S3, turning on the power supply of the magnetic circuit (8) of the Hall thruster, and adjusting the output current of the power supply of the magnetic circuit (8) until the Hall thruster starts; Step S4, adjusting the current of the hollow cathode (12) and the voltage of the power supply (11) to a stable working condition of the Hall thruster, completing the start-up of the thruster and completing the heating of the solid working fluid anode.

2. The method for heating an electronically heated solid working fluid anode according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of fixing columns (5) are provided.

3. The method for heating an electronically heated solid working fluid anode according to claim 1, characterized in that: An array of through holes communicating with the accommodating space (10) is provided on the end surface of the distributor (1) facing away from the base (4).

4. The method for heating an electronically heated solid working fluid anode according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dispenser (1) and the base (4) are configured as hollow structures.

5. The method for heating an electronically heated solid working fluid anode according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distributor (1), the spring (3), the base (4), the fixing column (5) and the pressure plate (6) are made of conductive materials compatible with the solid working medium (2), and the solid working medium (2) includes a dense non-metallic or metallic solid matter.

6. The method for heating an electronically heated solid working fluid anode according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spring (3) is in a compressed state; The pressing plate (6) is in contact with the side wall of the accommodating space (10), and the pressing plate (6) slides relative to the side wall of the accommodating space (10).

7. A Hall thruster, characterized in that: A heating method for an electronically heated solid working fluid anode according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is used.

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