High-precision micro-flow pressure-regulating gas supply device

By using a solenoid valve and throttle in the spacecraft electric propulsion system, combined with sensors and closed-loop control, the problems of large fluctuations in the gas pressure in the buffer tank and frequent switches are solved, and low-cost, high-precision gas supply stability and extended solenoid valve life are achieved.

CN120576322APending Publication Date: 2025-09-02LANZHOU INST OF PHYSICS CHINESE ACADEMY OF SPACE TECH
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510801235.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-06-15
Publication Date
2025-09-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional bang-bang pressure regulation technology causes large fluctuations in the gas pressure in the buffer tank in the electrical propulsion system of spacecraft, frequent solenoid valve switches, high cost, and difficult to meet the low cost requirements.

Method used

A solenoid valve and throttle are used in series, combined with sensor and closed-loop control, and the gas supply is slowly supplied through the throttle, reducing the number of solenoid valve switches, and maintaining the gas pressure in the buffer tank within the range of 0.2×(1±3%) MPa.

Benefits of technology

It reduces the number of switches and costs of solenoid valves, improves the stability of gas supply and the service life of solenoid valves, and meets the needs of high-precision pressure regulation.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of gas storage and supply, in particular to a high-precision micro-flow pressure regulating gas supply device which comprises a storage module, a pressure regulating module and a flow regulating module, the storage module is connected with the pressure regulating module, the pressure regulating module is connected with the flow regulating module, and the flow regulating module is connected with a thruster; the storage module comprises a charging and discharging valve and a high-pressure gas cylinder which are connected in sequence; the pressure regulating module comprises a self-locking valve, an electromagnetic valve, a throttler and a buffer tank which are connected in sequence; the outlet end of the high-pressure gas cylinder is connected with the self-locking valve; the outlet end of the buffer tank is connected with the flow adjusting module. On the premise that the precision of a traditional bang-bang pressure regulating device is met, the cost is reduced to 60%-70% of that of an original bang-bang pressure regulating mode; the high-pressure gas does not directly flow into the buffer tank and can only flow into the buffer tank slowly through the throttler, so that the pressure fluctuation in the buffer tank is smaller, and the gas supply stability of the thruster is ensured.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of gas storage and supply, and in particular to a high-precision micro-flow pressure-regulating gas supply device. Background Art

[0002] The thrusters of the spacecraft electric propulsion system are very sensitive to the stability of gas flow, and accordingly have high requirements for the accuracy of gas pressure regulation. The traditional bang-bang pressure regulation technology uses two solenoid valves in series. By opening the first solenoid valve, a small amount of high-pressure gas flows into the cavity between the two solenoid valves. Then the first solenoid valve is closed and the second solenoid valve is opened, so that the high-pressure gas stored in the cavity between the two solenoid valves flows into the buffer tank, increasing the pressure of the gas in the buffer tank and maintaining the gas pressure in the buffer tank within the range of 0.2×(1±3%)MPa, providing stable pressure input for the subsequent flow module.

[0003] However, with each bang-bang, the gas pressure in the buffer tank will increase rapidly, and the pressure stability will fluctuate relatively greatly. In order to ensure that the pressure accuracy of the buffer tank meets the requirements, the volume of the cavity is usually designed to be very small, resulting in a sharp increase in the number of solenoid valve switches. The development cost of the valve is high, which is not conducive to the low-cost requirement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a high-precision micro-flow pressure-regulating gas supply device, which reduces the number of switching times of the solenoid valve while meeting the traditional pressure regulation accuracy, realizes the stable supply of low-pressure gas, and improves the stability of the thruster gas supply.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present application provides a high-precision micro-flow pressure-regulating gas supply device, including a storage module, a pressure regulating module and a flow regulating module, wherein: the storage module is connected to the pressure regulating module, the pressure regulating module is connected to the flow regulating module, and the flow regulating module is connected to the thruster; the storage module includes a filling and discharging valve and a high-pressure gas cylinder connected in sequence; the pressure regulating module includes a self-locking valve, a solenoid valve, a throttle and a buffer tank connected in sequence; the outlet end of the high-pressure gas cylinder is connected to the self-locking valve; and the outlet end of the buffer tank is connected to the flow regulating module.

[0006] Furthermore, the high-pressure gas cylinder is provided with a high-pressure sensor and a temperature sensor.

[0007] Furthermore, a low pressure sensor is provided on the buffer tank.

[0008] Furthermore, a cavity is provided between the solenoid valve and the throttle.

[0009] Furthermore, the throttle includes an inlet end, a plug seat, a plug and an outlet end, wherein: the inlet end and the outlet end are respectively arranged on both sides of the plug seat and are connected thereto; the plug is a powder metallurgy plug and is arranged inside the plug seat.

[0010] Furthermore, the flow rate of the throttle is more than twice the gas consumption at the outlet of the buffer tank.

[0011] Furthermore, the pressure range inside the buffer tank is 0.2×(1±3%) MPa.

[0012] The present application provides a high-precision micro-flow pressure regulating gas supply device, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0013] While meeting the accuracy of traditional bang-bang pressure regulating devices, this application reduces the cost to 60%-70% of the original bang-bang pressure regulating method; high-pressure gas will not flow directly into the buffer tank, but can only flow in slowly through the throttle, so that the pressure fluctuation in the buffer tank is smaller, thereby ensuring the stability of the thruster gas supply; at the same time, a cavity is provided, and each time the solenoid valve is opened, a relatively large amount of gas is stored in the cavity. Under the premise that the gas volume of the high-pressure gas cylinder is certain, compared with the traditional pressure regulating device, the number of switching times of the solenoid valve is greatly reduced, the service life of the solenoid valve is improved, and the reliability of the thruster is guaranteed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawings that constitute part of this application are used to provide a further understanding of this application and make other features, objects and advantages of this application more apparent. The illustrative embodiment drawings of this application and their descriptions are used to explain this application and do not constitute an improper limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0015] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a high-precision micro-flow pressure-regulating gas supply device provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a throttle provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0017] In the figure: 1-storage module, 11-addition and discharge valve, 12-high-pressure gas cylinder, 13-high-pressure sensor, 14-temperature sensor, 2-pressure regulating module, 21-self-locking valve, 22-solenoid valve, 23-throttle, 231-inlet end, 232-plug seat, 233-plug, 234-outlet end, 24-buffer tank, 25-cavity, 26-low-pressure sensor, 3-flow regulating module, 4-thruster. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequential order. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described here. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0020] In this application, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "center," "vertical," "horizontal," "transverse," and "longitudinal" indicate positions or locations based on the positions or locations shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily intended to better describe this application and its embodiments and are not intended to limit the devices, elements, or components indicated to having a specific orientation, or to being constructed or operated in a specific orientation.

[0021] Furthermore, some of the above terms may be used to express other meanings besides indicating a position or location. For example, the term "on" may also be used to indicate a dependency or connection in certain circumstances. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] Additionally, the term "plurality" shall mean two or more.

[0023] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features of the embodiments in this application can be combined with each other. The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0024] like Figure 1As shown, the present application provides a high-precision micro-flow pressure-regulating gas supply device, including a storage module 1, a pressure regulating module 2 and a flow regulating module 3, wherein: the storage module 1 is connected to the pressure regulating module 2, the pressure regulating module 2 is connected to the flow regulating module 3, and the flow regulating module 3 is connected to the thruster 4; the storage module 1 includes a charging and discharging valve 11 and a high-pressure gas cylinder 12 connected in sequence; the pressure regulating module 2 includes a self-locking valve 21, a solenoid valve 22, a throttle 23 and a buffer tank 24 connected in sequence; the outlet end of the high-pressure gas cylinder 12 is connected to the self-locking valve 21; the outlet end of the buffer tank 24 is connected to the flow regulating module 3.

[0025] Specifically, the high-precision micro-flow pressure-regulating gas supply device provided in the embodiment of the present application uses closed-loop control of the pressure regulating module 2 to keep the gas in the buffer tank 24 within the range of 0.2×(1±3%)MPa at all times, providing stable gas to the downstream. The structure of two solenoid valves 22 in series in the traditional bang-bang pressure regulation is optimized to a structure of one solenoid valve 22 and a throttle 23 in series. While meeting the traditional bang-bang pressure regulation accuracy, the number and switching times of the solenoid valves 22 are reduced, the cost of the pressure regulating module 2 is reduced, and the service life of the solenoid valve 22 and the stability of the gas supply are guaranteed.

[0026] More specifically, in an embodiment of the present application, the storage module 1 includes a charging and discharging valve 11 and a high-pressure gas cylinder 12 connected in sequence, which are used to add / discharge and store high-pressure gas; the pressure regulating module 2 includes a self-locking valve 21, a solenoid valve 22, a throttle 23 and a buffer tank 24 connected in sequence, which are used to reduce the pressure of the high-pressure gas and store it inside the buffer tank 24; the self-locking valve 21 is used to switch between the storage module 1 and the pressure regulating module 2; the solenoid valve 22 is used to control the inflation into the cavity 25; the throttle 23 is used for throttling and stabilizing the pressure of the gas; the buffer tank 24 is used to store gas and supply gas to the subsequent thruster 4; the flow regulating module 3 is used to connect the buffer tank 24 and the thruster 4, and is used to adjust the flow of gas in the buffer tank 24 according to actual gas supply requirements.

[0027] Furthermore, the high-pressure gas cylinder 12 is provided with a high-pressure sensor 13 and a temperature sensor 14. The high-pressure sensor 13 is used to monitor the pressure inside the high-pressure gas cylinder 12, and the temperature sensor 14 is used to monitor the temperature of the gas inside the high-pressure gas cylinder. Based on the monitored pressure and temperature, the filling and discharging valve 11 is controlled to fill the high-pressure gas cylinder 12 with gas.

[0028] Furthermore, a low pressure sensor 26 is provided on the buffer tank 24 . The low pressure sensor 26 is used to monitor the pressure inside the buffer tank 24 .

[0029] Furthermore, a cavity 25 is provided between the solenoid valve 22 and the throttle 23. Located before the buffer tank 24, the cavity 25 is used to store high-pressure gas, allowing the high-pressure gas to flow slowly through the throttle 23 toward the buffer tank 24. The provision of the cavity 25 allows for a portion of the high-pressure gas to be stored, preventing the solenoid valve 22 from frequently opening and closing, which could shorten its service life.

[0030] Further, such as Figure 2 As shown, the throttle 23 includes an inlet end 231, a plug seat 232, a plug 233 and an outlet end 234, wherein: the inlet end 231 and the outlet end 234 are respectively arranged on both sides of the plug seat 232 and are connected thereto; the plug 233 is a powder metallurgy plug and is arranged inside the plug seat 232.

[0031] Furthermore, the flow rate of the throttle 23 is more than twice the gas consumption at the outlet of the buffer tank 24 .

[0032] Specifically, the throttle 23 has the characteristics of a specific high-flow group, and is used to allow the high-pressure gas stored in the cavity 25 to slowly flow into the buffer tank 24, slowly increase the pressure in the buffer tank 24, and maintain the pressure accuracy within the specified range; the flow rate of the throttle 23 is more than twice the gas consumption at the outlet end of the buffer tank 24, preferably in the range of 50-100sccm.

[0033] Furthermore, the pressure range inside the buffer tank 24 is 0.2×(1±3%) MPa.

[0034] Specifically, the embodiment of the present application controls the pressure in the buffer tank 24 within the range of 0.2×(1±3%)MPa through closed-loop control of the solenoid valve 22, the throttle 23 and the low-pressure sensor 26. The low-pressure sensor 26 monitors the pressure in the buffer tank 24. When the pressure is lower than the lower limit of 0.2×(1±3%)MPa, the control instruction opens the solenoid valve 22 of the pressure regulating module 2, and the high-pressure gas is stored in the cavity 25 through the solenoid valve 22. The buffer tank 24 is slowly pressurized through the throttling of the throttle 23; when the pressure does not reach the upper limit of 0.2×(1±3%)MPa, the solenoid valve 22 is repeatedly opened and closed, and the cavity 25 is continuously used to supply gas to the buffer tank 24; when the pressure is higher than the upper limit of 0.2×(1±3%)MPa, the control instruction closes the solenoid valve 22 of the pressure regulating module 2 and stops pressurizing the buffer tank 24.

[0035] More specifically, when the downstream flow regulating module 3 starts to work, the gas in the buffer tank 24 will flow out. When the gas consumption in the buffer tank 24 reaches the lower limit of the specified pressure, the above process is repeated to inflate the buffer tank 24. That is, while the outlet end of the buffer tank 24 supplies gas to the downstream, the solenoid valve 22, the cavity 25 and the throttle 23 are used to continuously supply gas to the buffer tank 24, so that the pressure in the buffer tank 24 is always maintained within the specified range, providing stable low-pressure gas to the downstream.

[0036] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A high-precision micro-flow pressure regulating gas supply device, characterized in that: It includes a storage module, a pressure regulating module and a flow regulating module, wherein: The storage module is connected to the pressure regulating module, the pressure regulating module is connected to the flow regulating module, and the flow regulating module is connected to the thruster; The storage module includes a charging and discharging valve and a high-pressure gas cylinder connected in sequence; The pressure regulating module includes a self-locking valve, a solenoid valve, a throttle and a buffer tank connected in sequence; The outlet end of the high-pressure gas cylinder is connected to the self-locking valve; The outlet end of the buffer tank is connected to the flow regulating module.

2. The high-precision micro-flow pressure regulating gas supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The high-pressure gas cylinder is provided with a high-pressure sensor and a temperature sensor.

3. The high-precision micro-flow pressure regulating gas supply device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The buffer tank is provided with a low pressure sensor.

4. The high-precision micro-flow pressure regulating gas supply device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A cavity is provided between the solenoid valve and the throttle.

5. The high-precision micro-flow pressure regulating gas supply device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The throttle comprises an inlet end, a plug seat, a plug and an outlet end, wherein: The inlet end and the outlet end are respectively arranged on both sides of the plug seat and communicated with the plug seat; The plug is a powder metallurgy plug and is arranged inside the plug seat.

6. The high-precision micro-flow pressure regulating gas supply device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The flow rate of the throttle is more than twice the gas consumption at the outlet end of the buffer tank.

7. The high-precision micro-flow pressure regulating gas supply device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The pressure range inside the buffer tank is 0.2×(1±3%) MPa.