Anode gas distributor for hall thruster

Abstract

The application provides an anode gas distributor for a Hall thruster, which comprises a gas inlet pipe and a distributor top layer and a distributor base in a ring structure, the distributor top layer is arranged at the top end of the distributor base and forms a ring buffer cavity with the distributor base; the gas outlet end of the gas inlet pipe is located inside the ring buffer cavity and is communicated with the ring buffer cavity, a first-stage distribution structure is arranged on the gas outlet end, a second-stage distribution structure is arranged on the ring buffer cavity, external anode gas enters from the gas inlet end of the gas inlet pipe, flows to the inside of the ring buffer cavity from the first-stage distribution structure, and is distributed through the second-stage distribution structure. The first-stage distribution structure and the second-stage distribution structure are arranged, the flow path of the gas working medium in the distributor is increased, the flow of the anode gas entering the Hall thruster is facilitated to be controlled and distributed, the homogenization time of the gas working medium is prolonged, the gas flow is more uniform and stable, and a uniform and stable neutral particle environment is provided for the electric thruster.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electric propulsion technology, and more specifically, to an anode gas distributor for a Hall thruster, particularly a flat, lightweight anode gas distributor for a Hall thruster. Background Technology

[0002] Hall thrusters are currently the mainstream electric thrusters, widely used in various satellites, space stations, deep space probes, and other spacecraft. Compared to ion thrusters, Hall thrusters operate at lower voltages, have simpler structures, and are more reliable. The basic principle of a Hall thruster is to electrostatically accelerate ionized ions to obtain thrust.

[0003] The anode gas distributor is a crucial component of Hall thrusters. Understanding the operating mechanism of Hall thrusters reveals that maintaining the uniformity and stability of the neutral gas within the anode discharge channel directly impacts the thruster's operational state. To improve the efficiency of Hall thrusters, it's essential to enhance the ionization efficiency of the working gas. This efficiency is directly related to the homogenization of the working gas within the discharge channel and its residence time. Only a well-designed anode gas distributor structure can maintain both the homogenization and residence time of the neutral gas. However, most existing Hall thruster anode gas distributors are multi-layered perforated plate structures, requiring the machining and welding of numerous thin-walled, large-sized parts and a large number of difficult-to-machine small outlet orifices. This results in drawbacks such as numerous assembled parts, complex structure, large axial dimensions, complex processes, high manufacturing difficulty, long production cycles, and high costs.

[0004] Patent document CN112012898B discloses an integrated anode structure for an externally mounted distributor in a low-power Hall thruster, comprising a guide column, a fixed column, an inlet chamber, a single-row perforated chamber, a double-row perforated chamber, and a channel chamber. The guide column is inserted into a through hole within the inlet chamber and stably connected to the inlet chamber using electron beam welding. The fixed column is also inserted into a through hole within the inlet chamber and stably connected to the inlet chamber using electron beam welding. The single-row perforated chamber is inserted into the inlet chamber and stably connected to the single-row perforated chamber using electron beam welding. The double-row perforated chamber is inserted into the single-row perforated chamber and stably connected to the double-row perforated chamber using electron beam welding. Finally, the channel chamber is inserted into the double-row perforated chamber and stably connected to the channel chamber using electron beam welding. However, this solution is a multi-layer perforated plate structure, which requires the processing and welding of many thin-walled, large-sized parts and a large number of difficult-to-process small vent holes. This results in a large number of assembled parts, complex structure, large axial dimensions, complex processes, high processing difficulty, long preparation cycle, and high cost. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide an anode gas distributor for a Hall thruster.

[0006] The anode gas distributor for a Hall thruster provided by the present invention includes an inlet pipe and a distributor top layer and a distributor base with an annular structure. The distributor top layer is disposed at the top of the distributor base and forms an annular buffer cavity between the distributor top layer and the distributor base.

[0007] The outlet end of the air inlet pipe is located inside the annular buffer cavity and is connected to the annular buffer cavity. A primary distribution structure is provided on the outlet end, and a secondary distribution structure is provided on the annular buffer cavity. External anode gas enters from the air inlet end of the air inlet pipe, flows from the primary distribution structure to the interior of the annular buffer cavity, and is distributed through the secondary distribution structure.

[0008] Preferably, the distributor base includes a distributor bottom layer, a cylindrical distributor outer wall, and a cylindrical distributor inner wall, wherein the distributor bottom layer, the distributor outer wall, and the distributor inner wall are coaxially arranged.

[0009] The outer wall of the distributor is located at the outer edge of the top of the bottom layer of the distributor, the inner wall of the distributor is located at the inner edge of the top of the bottom layer of the distributor, and the top layer of the distributor is located at the top of the outer wall and the inner wall of the distributor.

[0010] An annular buffer cavity is formed between the top layer of the distributor, the bottom layer of the distributor, the outer wall of the distributor, and the inner wall of the distributor.

[0011] Preferably, the bottom layer of the distributor is provided with a through hole communicating with the annular buffer cavity, and the air inlet pipe extends into the interior of the annular buffer cavity through the through hole.

[0012] Preferably, the primary distribution structure includes an air outlet or slit disposed on the air outlet end of the air inlet pipe.

[0013] Preferably, the secondary distribution structure includes a plurality of through holes arranged circumferentially on the outer wall and inner wall of the distributor, and the through holes are in communication with the annular buffer cavity.

[0014] Preferably, the plurality of through holes on the outer wall of the distributor and the plurality of through holes on the inner wall of the distributor are arranged concentrically opposite each other or staggered.

[0015] Preferably, the air intake pipe is welded to the through hole at the bottom of the distributor.

[0016] Preferably, the device further includes multiple fixing brackets arranged circumferentially at the bottom of the distributor base.

[0017] Preferably, the fixed bracket is welded to or integrally formed with the distributor base.

[0018] Preferably, the top layer, bottom layer, outer wall, and inner wall of the dispenser are welded together.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] 1. The present invention has a simple structure and is easy to operate. By setting a primary distribution structure and a secondary distribution structure, the flow path of the gas working fluid in the distributor is increased, which facilitates the control and distribution of the flow rate of the gas entering the Hall thruster anode, prolongs the homogenization time of the gas working fluid, and makes the gas flow more uniform and stable, providing a uniform and stable neutral particle environment for the electric thruster.

[0021] 2. This invention simplifies the structure of traditional gas distributors, making the structure simple and reliable, reducing the difficulty of welding and processing, reducing the production cost of gas distributors, and shortening the preparation cycle.

[0022] 3. The present invention has fewer components and a compact structure, making it suitable for small and medium-sized Hall thrusters. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a half-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The diagram shows:

[0029] Distributor top layer 1 Distributor outer wall 5

[0030] Distributor base 2 Distributor inner wall 6

[0031] Intake pipe 3, distributor bottom layer 7

[0032] Fixed bracket 4 Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. These embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but do not limit the invention in any way. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several changes and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention. These all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0034] This invention discloses an anode gas distributor for a Hall thruster. It has a simple structure and a two-pole distribution structure, which facilitates the control and distribution of the flow rate of the anode gas entering the Hall thruster, prolongs the homogenization time of the working gas, and makes the gas flow more uniform and stable, providing a uniform and stable neutral particle environment for the electric thruster.

[0035] The anode gas distributor for a Hall thruster provided according to the present invention, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, it includes an intake pipe 3 and a top layer 1 and a base 2 of a ring structure for the distributor. The top layer 1 of the distributor is disposed at the top of the base 2 of the distributor and forms a ring-shaped buffer cavity between it and the base 2 of the distributor.

[0036] The outlet end of the air inlet pipe 3 is located inside the annular buffer cavity and is connected to the annular buffer cavity. A primary distribution structure is provided on the outlet end, and a secondary distribution structure is provided on the annular buffer cavity. External anode gas enters from the air inlet end of the air inlet pipe 3, flows from the primary distribution structure to the interior of the annular buffer cavity, and is distributed through the secondary distribution structure.

[0037] The distributor base 2 includes a distributor bottom layer 7, a cylindrical distributor outer wall 5, and a distributor inner wall 6, which are coaxially arranged. The distributor bottom layer 7, the distributor outer wall 5, and the distributor inner wall 6 are located at the outer edge of the top end of the distributor bottom layer 7, and the distributor inner wall 6 is located at the inner edge of the top end of the distributor bottom layer 7. The distributor top layer 1 is located at the top end of the distributor outer wall 5 and the distributor inner wall 6. An annular buffer cavity is formed between the distributor top layer 1, the distributor bottom layer 7, the distributor outer wall 5, and the distributor inner wall 6. The distributor bottom layer 7 is provided with a through hole communicating with the annular buffer cavity, and the air inlet pipe 3 extends into the interior of the annular buffer cavity through the through hole.

[0038] Preferably, the air inlet pipe 3 is welded to the through hole of the bottom layer 7 of the distributor. The top layer 1, the bottom layer 7, the outer wall 5, and the inner wall 6 of the distributor are welded together. This invention simplifies the structure of traditional gas distributors, making it simple and reliable, reducing the difficulty of welding and processing, reducing the production cost of gas distributors, and shortening the manufacturing cycle.

[0039] Preferably, such as Figure 2As shown, the primary distribution structure includes an air outlet or narrow slit disposed on the air outlet end of the air inlet pipe 3. The secondary distribution structure includes multiple through holes disposed circumferentially on the outer wall 5 and the inner wall 6 of the distributor, the through holes communicating with the annular buffer cavity. The multiple through holes on the outer wall 5 and the multiple through holes on the inner wall 6 of the distributor are concentrically opposite each other or staggered. Preferably, the multiple through holes on the outer wall 5 and the multiple through holes on the inner wall 6 of the distributor are uniformly arranged circumferentially.

[0040] The anode gas distributor also includes multiple fixed supports 4, which are arranged circumferentially at the bottom of the distributor base 2. The fixed supports 4 are welded to or integrally formed with the distributor base 2. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inlet pipe 3, fixed supports 4, top distributor 1, bottom distributor 7, inner distributor wall 6, and outer distributor wall 5 can be made of stainless steel, titanium alloy, copper, or carbon steel, as needed. The outer distributor wall 5 and the inner distributor wall 6 have the same height.

[0041] The above are the basic embodiments of the present invention. The present solution will be further described below through a preferred embodiment.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] This embodiment provides a flat, lightweight anode gas distributor for a Hall thruster, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the device includes an intake pipe 3, a fixed bracket 4, a top distributor 1, and a distributor base 2. The components of the Hall thruster anode gas distributor are fixedly connected by welding. The bottom end of the top distributor 1 is welded to the top end of the outer wall 5 of the distributor, the bottom end of the top distributor 1 is welded to the top end of the inner wall 6 of the distributor, the top end of the bottom distributor 7 is welded to the bottom end of the outer wall 5 of the distributor, and the top end of the bottom distributor 7 is welded to the bottom end of the inner wall 6 of the distributor.

[0044] like Figure 1As shown, for a 200W Hall thruster, the anode distributor has an outer diameter of 41mm and an inner diameter of 27mm. 24 vent holes, each 0.4mm in diameter, are evenly distributed in a 15° array at a distance of 2.5mm from the side of the inlet pipe 3 on the inner wall 6 of the distributor. Similarly, 24 vent holes, each 0.4mm in diameter, are evenly distributed in a 15° array at a distance of 2.5mm from the side of the inlet pipe 3 on the outer wall 5 of the distributor. The height between the inner wall 6 and the outer wall 5 of the anode gas distributor is 6mm. The distance between the outlet surface of the inlet pipe 3 at the first-stage distribution point of the distributor and the inner surface of the anode is 0.5mm. Four small holes, each 0.4mm in diameter, are evenly distributed in a 90° array at the outlet of the inlet pipe 3, with a distance of 0.5mm between the small holes and the outlet surface of the inlet pipe 3. Two fixed supports 4 and one inlet pipe 3 are evenly distributed in a 120° array at the center of the annular layer 7 of the distributor.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] This embodiment is a variation of Embodiment 1, such as... Figure 4 As shown, for a 5kW Hall thruster, the anode distributor has an outer diameter of 140mm and an inner diameter of 98mm. 30 vent holes, each 0.4mm in diameter, are evenly distributed in a 12° angle array at 2.5mm from the side of the inlet pipe 3 on the inner wall 6 of the distributor. Similarly, 30 vent holes, each 0.5mm in diameter, are evenly distributed in a 12° angle array at 2.5mm from the side of the inlet pipe 3 on the outer wall 5 of the distributor. The height between the inner wall 6 and the outer wall 5 of the anode gas distributor is 15mm. The distance between the outlet surface of the inlet pipe 3 at the first-stage distribution point of the distributor and the inner surface of the anode is 0.5mm. Four small grooves, each 0.5mm wide and high, are evenly distributed in a 90° angle array at the outlet of the inlet pipe 3. Three fixed supports 4 and one inlet pipe 3 are evenly distributed in a 90° angle array at the center of the annulus at the bottom layer 7 of the distributor.

[0047] The working principle of this invention is as follows:

[0048] like Figure 2As shown, the multi-layer perforated plate of the traditional Hall thruster anode distributor is transformed into a two-stage structure. The primary distribution structure consists of small holes, slots, or narrow slits connected downstream of the inlet pipe 3, while the secondary distribution structure consists of circumferential through holes on the sidewalls. This significantly reduces the number of parts and the number of difficult-to-machine outlet holes, while still ensuring the uniformity of the anode outlet gas. The axial dimension of the anode substrate is also significantly reduced. After the Hall thruster anode gas distributor is welded, the working gas flows from the inlet pipe 3 into the distributor and enters the distributor buffer chamber. The working gas remains and is homogenized within the buffer chamber. After homogenization, the working gas flows out through the vents on the inner wall 6 and outer wall 5 of the distributor, ultimately flowing uniformly into the annular discharge channel of the thruster.

[0049] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They 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, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0050] Specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the essence of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

Claims

1. An anode gas distributor for a Hall thruster, characterized in that, It includes an intake pipe (3) and a top layer (1) and a base (2) of a ring structure of a distributor. The top layer (1) of the distributor is located at the top of the base (2) and forms a ring buffer cavity between it and the base (2). The outlet end of the air inlet pipe (3) is located inside the annular buffer cavity and is connected to the annular buffer cavity. The distance between the outlet surface of the air inlet pipe 3 and the inner surface of the anode is 0.5 mm. The outlet of the air inlet pipe 3 is a small hole with a distance of 0.5 mm between the small hole and the outlet surface of the air inlet pipe 3. Four small holes are evenly distributed in an array at a 90° angle. A primary distribution structure is provided on the outlet end, and a secondary distribution structure is provided on the annular buffer cavity. External anode gas enters from the air inlet end of the air inlet pipe (3) and flows from the primary distribution structure to the inside of the annular buffer cavity, and is distributed through the secondary distribution structure. The distributor base (2) includes a distributor bottom layer (7), a cylindrical distributor outer wall (5), and a cylindrical distributor inner wall (6), and the distributor bottom layer (7), the distributor outer wall (5), and the distributor inner wall (6) are coaxially arranged. The bottom layer (7) of the distributor is provided with a through hole communicating with the annular buffer cavity, and the air inlet pipe (3) extends into the interior of the annular buffer cavity from the through hole; The primary distribution structure includes an air outlet or slit provided on the air outlet end of the air inlet pipe (3); The secondary distribution structure includes multiple through holes arranged circumferentially on the outer wall (5) and inner wall (6) of the distributor. The through holes are located at the lower part of the annular buffer cavity and are connected to the annular buffer cavity. The multiple through holes on the outer wall (5) of the distributor and the multiple through holes on the inner wall (6) of the distributor are arranged concentrically opposite each other or staggered. The outer wall (5) of the distributor is located at the outer edge of the top of the bottom layer (7) of the distributor, the inner wall (6) of the distributor is located at the inner edge of the top of the bottom layer (7) of the distributor, and the top layer (1) of the distributor is located at the top of the outer wall (5) and the inner wall (6) of the distributor. An annular buffer cavity is formed between the top layer (1) of the distributor, the bottom layer (7) of the distributor, the outer wall (5) of the distributor, and the inner wall (6) of the distributor.

2. The anode gas distributor for a Hall thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air intake pipe (3) is welded to the through hole of the bottom layer (7) of the distributor.

3. The anode gas distributor for a Hall thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a fixing bracket (4), which is a plurality of fixing brackets (4) arranged circumferentially at the bottom of the distributor base (2).

4. The anode gas distributor for a Hall thruster according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fixed bracket (4) is welded to or integrally formed with the distributor base (2).

5. The anode gas distributor for a Hall thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top layer (1), bottom layer (7), outer wall (5), and inner wall (6) of the distributor are welded together.

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