Magnetic anode channel for Hall thruster, Hall thruster and assembling method of Hall thruster

Abstract

The magnetic anode channel comprises a magnetic screen, an anode and a ceramic channel, the magnetic screen is an annular cavity with an upper opening and comprises an inner side wall, a bottom plate and an outer side wall, the anode is arranged in the cavity of the magnetic screen, and the two ends of the anode are connected with the inner side wall and the outer side wall of the magnetic screen respectively. The ceramic channel comprises an outer ceramic channel and an inner ceramic channel, wherein the inner ceramic channel and the outer ceramic channel are respectively arranged at the tops of the inner side wall and the outer side wall of the magnetic screen. Through the integrated design of the magnetic screen, the anode and the ceramic channel, the size and the weight of the Hall thruster can be reduced, and the performance of the Hall thruster is not lost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of aerospace electric propulsion technology, and in particular to a magnetic anode channel for a Hall thruster, a Hall thruster and an assembly method thereof. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid development of microsatellites, Hall thrusters with small size and high specific impulse have been widely used. For thrusters, one of the most important factors affecting their performance is the channel-magnetic field configuration. Figure 1 The common existing Hall thruster design is shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the Hall thruster includes a ceramic channel 101, a magnetic shield 102, and an anode 103. The ceramic channel 101, magnetic shield 102, and anode 103 are independent and assembled together to form the Hall thruster. As can be seen, the Hall thruster has a relatively simple structure and is easy to assemble. The channel-magnetic field configuration of the Hall thruster is a separate assembly of the channel and magnetic shield, with electromagnetic coils used to generate a magnetic field within the channel. This configuration has the following main issues: the overall structure is not compact, the envelope is large, and the thruster is heavy.

[0003] To reduce the overall weight of Hall thrusters, high-performance permanent magnets, such as samarium-cobalt permanent magnets, can be used in place of electromagnetic coils. However, because permanent magnets cannot adjust their magnetic field configuration in real time, their size and relative position to the channel must be determined based on magnetic field simulations before processing. The magnetic field gradient along the ceramic centerline significantly impacts thruster performance. With traditional configurations, a magnetic shield separates the inner and outer permanent magnets from the ceramic channel, preventing them from moving closer to the channel. This makes it difficult to achieve the large gradient required to improve thruster performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to address some or all of the problems in the prior art, the present invention provides, in a first aspect, a magnetic anode channel for a Hall thruster, comprising:

[0005] The magnetic shield is an annular cavity with an upper opening, comprising an inner wall, a bottom plate and an outer wall;

[0006] an anode disposed in the cavity of the magnetic shield, with its two ends respectively connected to the inner wall and the outer wall of the magnetic shield; and

[0007] The ceramic channel includes an outer ceramic channel and an inner ceramic channel, wherein the inner ceramic channel and the outer ceramic channel are respectively connected to the top of the inner side wall and the top of the outer side wall of the magnetic shield.

[0008] Furthermore, the highest point of the anode is not higher than the top of the magnetic shield.

[0009] Furthermore, the height of the ceramic channel is determined according to the position of the ionization acceleration zone of the Hall thruster.

[0010] Furthermore, the bottom of the ceramic channel is not higher than the bottom of the ionization acceleration zone of the Hall thruster.

[0011] Furthermore, the thickness of the outer ceramic channel is not less than the thickness of the outer side wall of the magnetic shield, and the thickness of the inner ceramic channel is not less than the thickness of the inner side wall of the magnetic shield.

[0012] Based on the magnetic anode channel as described above, the second aspect of the present invention provides a Hall thruster, comprising:

[0013] Magnetic anode channel as described above;

[0014] a first permanent magnet, which is annular and disposed on a first side of the magnetic anode channel; and

[0015] The second permanent magnet, which is annular, is disposed on a second side of the magnetic anode channel opposite to the first side thereof.

[0016] Furthermore, the top of the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet is not higher than the top of the ceramic channel of the magnetic anode channel, and the bottom of the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet is located between the bottom of the ceramic channel of the magnetic anode channel and the highest point of the anode of the magnetic anode channel.

[0017] Furthermore, the Hall thruster further includes:

[0018] a first support frame, a top of which is connected to the inner ceramic channel, and the first support frame includes a first cavity, the first cavity is open toward one side of the magnetic anode channel, and the first permanent magnet is disposed in the first cavity; and

[0019] The top of the second support frame is connected to the outer ceramic channel, and the second support frame includes a second cavity, the second cavity is open to one side of the magnetic anode channel, and the second permanent magnet is arranged in the second cavity.

[0020] Furthermore, the sizes of the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet, the distance between the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet, the distance between the first permanent magnet and the inner ceramic channel, and the distance between the second permanent magnet and the outer ceramic channel are determined by magnetic field configuration simulation.

[0021] A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for assembling the Hall thruster as described above, comprising:

[0022] Obtain magnetic anode channel;

[0023] Determine the size and relative position of the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet through magnetic field configuration simulation;

[0024] Processing the first support frame and the second support frame according to the relative positions;

[0025] Mounting the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet on the first support frame and the second support frame respectively; and

[0026] The first support frame and the second support frame are respectively installed on both sides of the magnetic anode channel.

[0027] Furthermore, obtaining the magnetic anode channel includes:

[0028] Welding the anode into the cavity of the magnetic shield; and

[0029] The installation position of the ceramic channel is determined through magnetic field configuration simulation, and the ceramic channel is fixed to the top of the magnetic shield.

[0030] The present invention provides a magnetic anode channel for a Hall thruster. This design integrates the anode, magnetic shield, and ceramic channel into a single structure, and incorporates a permanent magnet design. This design improves the compactness of the channel without sacrificing thruster performance, while also increasing the adjustable range of the permanent magnets. When applied to a Hall thruster, this design can reduce weight by at least 20% compared to conventional Hall thrusters. The weight reduction ratio increases with increasing thruster power. The increased adjustable range of the permanent magnets allows for better adjustment of the magnetic field configuration within the channel, further enhancing thruster performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] To further illustrate the above and other advantages and features of various embodiments of the present invention, a more detailed description of various embodiments of the present invention will be presented with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and are not to be considered as limiting the scope thereof. In the drawings, for clarity, identical or corresponding components will be represented by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an existing Hall thruster is shown;

[0033] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view showing a magnetic anode channel for a Hall thruster according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of a Hall thruster according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view showing a Hall thruster according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0036] Figure 5 A schematic flow chart illustrating an assembly method of a Hall thruster according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In the following description, the present invention is described with reference to various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments can be implemented without one or more of the specific details or with other alternative and / or additional methods, materials, or components. In other cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring the inventive aspects of the present invention. Similarly, for the purpose of explanation, specific quantities, materials, and configurations are described to provide a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific details. In addition, it should be understood that the various embodiments shown in the drawings are illustrative representations and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0038] In this specification, reference to "one embodiment" or "the embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0039] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention describe the process steps in a specific order. However, this is only for the purpose of illustrating the specific embodiment and does not limit the order of the steps. On the contrary, in different embodiments of the present invention, the order of the steps can be adjusted according to the process.

[0040] The most important parts of a Hall thruster channel are the ionization and acceleration regions. In the ionization region, electrons collide with neutrons, producing an ionization reaction. Within the acceleration region, ions are accelerated by the electric field and ejected toward the channel exit. In existing Hall thrusters, ceramic is typically used as the channel material. This is partly because it has a suitable secondary electron emission coefficient, which helps maintain ionization stability within the ionization region. Furthermore, because ions accelerated by the electric field deposit on the channel walls during ejection, and some high-energy particles bombard the channel walls during the ionization process, channel temperatures near the acceleration region and at the exit are relatively high. While ordinary metals easily melt or deform, ceramics offer excellent high-temperature stability and can withstand long-term thermal loads. Therefore, the ceramic channel walls in the ionization and acceleration region have the greatest impact on Hall thruster performance. Since these two regions are generally concentrated in the upper section of the channel, ceramic channels in the middle and lower sections are not actually necessary. Based on this, the present invention replaces the ceramic in the middle and lower sections with a magnetic shield, integrating it with the anode. This improves the compactness of the thruster channel without sacrificing thruster performance. Furthermore, integrating the magnetic shield and ceramic channel into one design frees up space for the permanent magnets, significantly increasing their adjustable range.

[0041] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments.

[0042] Figure 2 FIG1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a magnetic anode channel for a Hall thruster according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, a magnetic anode channel for a Hall thruster includes an integrated magnetic shield 201, an anode 202, and a ceramic channel. The magnetic shield 201 is an upwardly open annular cavity, comprising an inner wall 211, a bottom plate 212, and an outer wall 213. The anode 202 is disposed within the cavity of the magnetic shield 201, with its ends connected to the inner wall 211 and outer wall 213 of the magnetic shield 201, respectively. The ceramic channel includes an inner ceramic channel 231 and an outer ceramic channel 232, which are respectively disposed on the top of the inner wall 211 and outer wall 213 of the magnetic shield 201.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 As shown, the highest point of the anode 202 does not exceed the top of the magnetic shield 201 .

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2As shown, the thickness of the ceramic channel is no less than the thickness of the sidewall of the magnetic shield 201. Specifically, the thickness of the inner ceramic channel 231 is no less than the inner sidewall 211 of the magnetic shield 201, and the thickness of the outer ceramic channel 232 is no less than the outer sidewall 213 of the magnetic shield 201. In one embodiment of the present invention, the relative position of the ceramic channel and the magnetic shield 201 can be determined based on simulation. The relative position includes both axial and circumferential positions. As previously mentioned, in a Hall thruster, ceramic channels are primarily required in the ionization and acceleration regions. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the height of the ceramic channel, or the height of the magnetic shield sidewall, is determined based on the position of the ionization and acceleration region of the Hall thruster. Specifically, the bottom of the ceramic channel is no higher than the bottom of the ionization and acceleration region of the Hall thruster. In one embodiment of the present invention, the position of the ionization and acceleration region can be determined through simulation testing, thereby determining the height of the ceramic channel.

[0045] Based on the magnetic anode channel as described above, Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the structure of a Hall thruster according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, and Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a Hall thruster according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a Hall thruster includes the magnetic anode channel 301, the first permanent magnet 302 and the second permanent magnet 303 as described above. The first permanent magnet 302 and the second permanent magnet 303 are both annular and are respectively arranged on the inner and outer sides of the magnetic anode channel 301.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the relative positions of the first permanent magnet 302 and the second permanent magnet 303 with respect to the magnetic anode channel 301, including the relative height and relative axial position, are determined in advance through simulation. As shown in the figure, in one embodiment of the present invention, the tops of the first permanent magnet 302 and the second permanent magnet 303 are no higher than the top of the ceramic channel of the magnetic anode channel 301, and the bottoms of the first permanent magnet 302 and the second permanent magnet 303 are located between the bottom of the ceramic channel of the magnetic anode channel 301 and the highest point of the anode of the magnetic anode channel 301.

[0047] As shown in the figure, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first permanent magnet 302 and the second permanent magnet 303 are respectively disposed on a first support frame 304 and a second support frame 305. The top of the first support frame 304 is connected to the inner ceramic channel, and the first support frame 304 includes a first cavity, which is open to one side of the magnetic anode channel 301, and the first permanent magnet 302 is disposed in the first cavity. Similarly, the top of the second support frame 305 is connected to the outer ceramic channel, and the second support frame 305 includes a second cavity, which is open to one side of the magnetic anode channel 301, and the second permanent magnet 303 is disposed in the second cavity. In one embodiment of the present invention, the dimensions of the first support frame 304 and the second support frame 305 are determined based on simulation. Specifically, the desired magnetic field configuration, mainly the magnetic field gradient on the centerline of the ceramic channel, is obtained through simulation, and the dimensions of the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet, the distance between the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet, the distance between the first permanent magnet and the inner ceramic channel, and the distance between the second permanent magnet and the outer ceramic channel are determined, thereby determining the dimensions of the first support frame 304 and the second support frame 305. In one embodiment of the present invention, in order to facilitate assembly, the first support frame 304 and the second support frame 305 are detachable structures. Specifically, the tops of the first support frame 304 and the second support frame 305 are detachable. Therefore, during the assembly process, the tops can be removed first to expose the first cavity and the second cavity, so that the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet can be assembled therein, and then the tops can be installed to complete the fixation. In another embodiment of the present invention, the first support frame 304 and the second support frame 305 are an integrated structure. In this case, in order to facilitate assembly, the first permanent magnet 302 and the second permanent magnet 303 can be divided into two or more segments of tile-type permanent magnets, which form a ring shape after assembly, which does not affect the magnetic field distribution in the channel. It should be understood that in some other embodiments of the present invention, in order to facilitate assembly, the first support frame 304 and the second support frame 305 are not limited to the structure shown, but other structures can be adopted as long as they can fix the first permanent magnet 302 and the second permanent magnet 303 in the specified position.

[0048] Figure 5 A schematic flow chart showing a method for assembling a Hall thruster according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown as follows: Figure 5 As shown, a method for assembling the Hall thruster as described above includes:

[0049] First, in step 501, a magnetic anode channel is obtained. In one embodiment of the present invention, the anode is first welded to the cavity of the magnetic shield. Then, through magnetic field configuration simulation, the installation position of the ceramic channel is determined and fixed to the top of the magnetic shield to form an integrated magnetic anode channel.

[0050] Next, in step 502, the positions of the permanent magnets are determined. The sizes and relative positions of the first and second permanent magnets are determined through magnetic field configuration simulation. Specifically, the sizes of the first and second permanent magnets, the distance between the first and second permanent magnets, the distance between the first permanent magnet and the inner ceramic channel, and the distance between the second permanent magnet and the outer ceramic channel are determined based on the desired magnetic field gradient along the centerline of the ceramic channel.

[0051] Next, in step 503, the support frame is processed. The first support frame and the second support frame are processed according to the parameters obtained by the simulation; and

[0052] Finally, in step 504, the permanent magnets are assembled. The first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are respectively mounted on the first support frame and the second support frame, and the first support frame and the second support frame are respectively mounted at designated positions on both sides of the magnetic anode channel. As previously mentioned, during the assembly process of the permanent magnets, the permanent magnets can be cut into multiple tile permanent magnets, which are then inserted into the cavities of the first support frame and the second support frame to form an annular permanent magnet. Alternatively, a detachable first support frame and a detachable second support frame can be used to first expose the cavities, assemble the permanent magnets, and then fix them.

[0053] The Hall thruster provided by this invention features a lightweight design, utilizing a magnetic field anode in conjunction with permanent magnets. This significantly reduces product weight, envelope size, and production costs, while enhancing compactness and the adjustable range of the permanent magnets, providing advantages for subsequent adjustment of the magnetic field configuration. The magnetic anode channel design can be expanded to full-spectrum thrusters, facilitating segmented permanent magnet magnetic field configuration adjustment for high-power thrusters. For example, technologies such as variable cross-section, afterloading, and outlet inclination can further enhance thruster performance.

[0054] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only and not limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various combinations, modifications, and variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present invention disclosed herein should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments disclosed above, but should be defined solely in accordance with the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A magnetic anode channel for a Hall thruster, characterized in that: include: The magnetic shield is an annular cavity with an upper opening and includes an inner wall, a bottom plate and an outer wall; an anode, which is disposed in the cavity of the magnetic shield, and has two ends connected to the inner wall and the outer wall of the magnetic shield respectively; as well as The ceramic channel comprises an outer ceramic channel and an inner ceramic channel, wherein the inner ceramic channel and the outer ceramic channel are respectively arranged on the top of the inner side wall and the outer side wall of the magnetic shield.

2. The magnetic anode channel according to claim 1, characterized in that The top of the anode is no higher than the top of the magnetic shield.

3. The magnetic anode channel according to claim 1, characterized in that The bottom of the ceramic channel is no higher than the bottom of the ionization acceleration region of the Hall thruster.

4. The magnetic anode channel according to claim 1, characterized in that The thickness of the outer ceramic channel is not less than the thickness of the outer side wall of the magnetic shield, and the thickness of the inner ceramic channel is not less than the thickness of the inner side wall of the magnetic shield.

5. A Hall thruster, characterized in that: include: The magnetic anode channel according to any one of claims 1 to 4; a first permanent magnet, which is annular and disposed on a first side of the magnetic anode channel; as well as The second permanent magnet, which is annular, is disposed on a second side of the magnetic anode channel opposite to the first side thereof.

6. The Hall thruster according to claim 5, characterized in that: The tops of the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are not higher than the top of the ceramic channel of the magnetic anode channel, and the bottoms of the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are located between the bottom of the ceramic channel of the magnetic anode channel and the highest point of the anode of the magnetic anode channel.

7. The Hall thruster according to claim 5, characterized in that: Also includes: a first support frame, a top of which is connected to the inner ceramic channel, and the first support frame includes a first cavity, the first cavity is open toward one side of the magnetic anode channel, and the first permanent magnet is disposed in the first cavity; as well as The top of the second support frame is connected to the outer ceramic channel, and the second support frame includes a second cavity, the second cavity is open to one side of the magnetic anode channel, and the second permanent magnet is arranged in the second cavity.

8. The Hall thruster according to claim 5, characterized in that: The sizes of the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet, the distance between the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet, the distance between the first permanent magnet and the inner ceramic channel, and the distance between the second permanent magnet and the outer ceramic channel are determined through magnetic field configuration simulation.

9. An assembly method of a Hall thruster according to claim 5, characterized in that: include: Obtain magnetic anode channel; Determine the size and relative position of the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet through magnetic field configuration simulation; Processing the first support frame and the second support frame according to the relative positions; Mounting the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet on the first support frame and the second support frame respectively; as well as The first support frame and the second support frame are respectively installed on both sides of the magnetic anode channel.

10. The assembly method according to claim 9, wherein: Obtaining magnetic anode access includes: Welding the anode into the cavity of the magnetic shield; and The installation position of the ceramic channel is determined through magnetic field configuration simulation, and the ceramic channel is fixed to the top of the magnetic shield.

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