A fluid control system for a satellite thruster and a satellite

Abstract

This invention provides a fluid control system for a satellite thruster, comprising at least: a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage redundantly arranged between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. Each of the first and second fluid passages is equipped with a switching valve, a proportional regulating valve, and a sensor, all communicatively connected to a controller. After the controller opens the switching valve and proportional regulating valve in one of the fluid passages, the sensor in that fluid passage measures the fluid and feeds the measured value back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the opening degree of the proportional regulating valve in that fluid passage based on the received measured value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of satellite technology, and in particular to a fluid control system for a satellite propulsion system and a satellite. Background Technology

[0002] The large-scale application of commercial satellites faces various reliability challenges, among which the reliability of the satellite propulsion system, as the core, determines the success or failure of the mission and the lifespan of the satellite. Under economic constraints, the role and significance of low-cost, high-reliability core systems and their components become increasingly apparent.

[0003] Current fluid control for satellite propulsion systems primarily relies on single valves or simple series-parallel valve combinations to achieve flow regulation and on / off functions. While this traditional design is simple in structure and low in cost, its drawbacks are quite obvious: simple series-parallel valve combinations lack coordinated control capabilities, the system response speed is slow and reliability is insufficient, and if a valve fails, it may affect the normal operation of the entire propulsion system.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a fluid control system for a satellite propulsion system that is highly reliable and low in cost, as well as a satellite. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model proposes a fluid control system and satellite for satellite thrusters, which can significantly improve the reliability of fluid control, effectively control costs, and provide abundant health monitoring data to provide a basis for design improvements.

[0006] This invention provides a fluid control system for a satellite thruster, comprising at least: a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage redundantly arranged between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. Each of the first and second fluid passages is equipped with a switching valve, a proportional regulating valve, and a sensor that are communicatively connected to a controller. After the controller controls the opening of the switching valve and the proportional regulating valve in one of the fluid passages, the sensor in that fluid passage measures the fluid and feeds the measured value back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the opening degree of the proportional regulating valve in that fluid passage based on the received measured value.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first fluid passage includes a first branch and a second branch connected in series, the second fluid passage includes a third branch and a fourth branch connected in series, and also includes a fifth branch; one end of the fifth branch is disposed between the first branch and the second branch, and the other end is disposed between the third branch and the fourth branch.

[0008] In one embodiment, the switching valve includes a first self-locking solenoid shut-off valve disposed on the first branch, a second self-locking solenoid shut-off valve disposed on the second branch, a third self-locking solenoid shut-off valve disposed on the third branch, and a fourth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve disposed on the fourth branch; a fifth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve with an orifice plate is disposed on the fifth branch, the orifice plate being disposed inside the fifth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve for controlling fluid flow.

[0009] In one embodiment, the proportional control valve includes a first electrically controlled throttle valve disposed on the second branch and a second electrically controlled throttle valve disposed on the third branch; the first electrically controlled throttle valve is disposed downstream of the second self-locking solenoid shut-off valve, and the second electrically controlled throttle valve is disposed upstream of the third self-locking solenoid shut-off valve.

[0010] In one embodiment, the sensor includes a first sensor disposed on the first branch, a second sensor disposed on the second branch, a third sensor disposed on the third branch, a fourth sensor disposed on the fourth branch, and a fifth sensor disposed on the fluid outlet side; the first sensor is used to measure the fluid flow rate and pressure flowing through the first self-locking solenoid valve and feed it back to the controller; the second sensor is used to measure the fluid flow rate and pressure flowing through the second self-locking solenoid valve and feed it back to the controller; the third sensor is used to measure the fluid flow rate and pressure flowing through the second electrically controlled throttle valve and feed it back to the controller; the fourth sensor is used to measure the fluid flow rate and pressure flowing through the fourth self-locking solenoid valve and feed it back to the controller; and the fifth sensor is used to measure the fluid flow rate and pressure at the fluid outlet position and feed it back to the controller.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, the fourth sensor, and the fifth sensor are specifically sensors that integrate flow and pressure measurement functions.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, the fourth sensor, and the fifth sensor are specifically sensors that integrate flow, pressure, and temperature measurement functions.

[0013] In any of the above embodiments, the controller synchronizes with the sensor data of the satellite platform.

[0014] In one embodiment, the fluid inlet has two paths: a first inlet connected to a first gas source and a second inlet connected to a second gas source.

[0015] In another aspect, this utility model provides a satellite, which includes at least the fluid control system for a satellite thruster described in any of the above embodiments.

[0016] The fluid control system and satellite for satellite thrusters provided by this invention significantly improve the reliability of fluid control in propulsion systems and effectively resolve the current contradiction between reliability and cost, which can support the large-scale and rapid development of commercial satellites and constellations.

[0017] The fluid control system for the satellite thruster and the satellite in this embodiment have health monitoring functions and can also collect fault information, providing rich health monitoring data for the improvement of valves and other components and system design.

[0018] Upon reading the detailed embodiments and examining the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the fluid passage distribution of the fluid control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall principle of the fluid control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0023] 1. Fluid inlet; 2. Fluid outlet; 3. First fluid passage; 31. First branch; 32. Second branch; 4. Second fluid passage; 41. Third branch; 42. Fourth branch; 51. Fifth branch; 61. First self-locking solenoid shut-off valve; 62. Second self-locking solenoid shut-off valve; 63. Third self-locking solenoid shut-off valve; 64. Fourth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve; 65. Fifth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve; 71. First electrically controlled throttle valve; 72. Second electrically controlled throttle valve; 81. First sensor; 82. Second sensor; 83. Third sensor; 84. Fourth sensor; 85. Fifth sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of this utility model will be described in detail below. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only configured to explain this utility model and to exemplarily illustrate the principles of this utility model, and are not configured to limit this utility model. In addition, the structural components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some structural components or regions in the drawings may be enlarged for other structural components or regions to aid in the understanding of the embodiments of this utility model.

[0025] The directional terms used in the following description refer to the directions shown in the figures and are not intended to limit the specific structure of the embodiments of this utility model. In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a structure or component that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other structural elements that are not expressly listed or inherent to the structure or component. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the article or apparatus that includes the element.

[0027] Spatial relation terms such as "below," "under," "under," "low," "above," "on," and "high" are used for descriptive convenience to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element, indicating that these terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device, in addition to those different from those shown in the figure. Furthermore, phrases such as "one element on / below another element" can indicate that two elements are in direct contact, or that there are other elements between the two elements. In addition, terms such as "first" and "second" are also used to describe individual elements, areas, parts, etc., and should not be considered limiting. Similar terms are used throughout the description to refer to similar elements.

[0028] For those skilled in the art, this invention can be implemented without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of the invention by illustrating examples.

[0029] See Figure 1This invention provides a fluid control system for a satellite thruster, comprising at least a first fluid passage 3 and a second fluid passage 4 redundantly arranged between a fluid inlet 1 and a fluid outlet 2. The first fluid passage 3 and the second fluid passage 4 operate with a backup mechanism to ensure that at least one passage is always available. Both the first fluid passage 3 and the second fluid passage 4 are equipped with a switching valve, a proportional regulating valve, and a sensor, all communicatively connected to a controller. The fluid control system opens the switching valve and proportional regulating valve on one of the fluid passages via the controller. The sensor on that fluid passage measures the fluid flow and feeds the measured values ​​back to the controller. The controller compares and analyzes the real-time data according to a preset standard range and adjusts the opening of the proportional regulating valve on that fluid passage based on the analysis results.

[0030] Specifically, under normal operating conditions, only one of the two pathways is in active mode, undertaking the primary fluid transport task, while the other remains on standby, ready to take over immediately should the main pathway fail. During operation, the active pathway dynamically analyzes and processes key parameter data such as flow rate and pressure collected in real time by sensors through a built-in control algorithm, and precisely adjusts the opening of the proportional control valve accordingly to ensure that the fluid flow rate remains stable within the system's target range. This design not only guarantees the continuity and reliability of fluid transmission, but also significantly improves the system's safety and stability through dual-path redundancy. Even if one pathway temporarily fails due to unforeseen circumstances, the backup pathway can seamlessly take over, maintaining the normal operation of the entire system.

[0031] Furthermore, the first fluid passage 3 adopts a series structure design, specifically including a first branch 31 and a second branch 32 connected end-to-end. The first branch 31 performs the initial conveying function, while the second branch 32 serves as a subsequent connecting section to continue fluid transmission. Correspondingly, the second fluid passage 4 also adopts a series layout, consisting of a third branch 41 and a fourth branch 42 connected sequentially. It also includes a fifth branch 51, with one end located between the first branch 31 and the second branch 32, and the other end located between the third branch 41 and the fourth branch 42. In other words, the connected first branch 31, fifth branch 51, and fourth branch 42 form the third fluid passage, and the connected third branch 41, fifth branch 51, and second branch 32 form the fourth fluid passage.

[0032] The fluid control system in this embodiment employs a redundant configuration, constructing multiple independent and mutually redundant gas supply lines, each capable of independently supplying gas. When the main gas supply path malfunctions, the backup lines can seamlessly switch over immediately, ensuring continuous and stable system operation. This multi-layered protection mechanism not only significantly enhances the safety and stability of the gas supply system but also effectively reduces the risk of single-point failures, substantially increasing product lifespan and fully demonstrating the design's forward-thinking, reliability, and durability considerations.

[0033] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the switching valve includes a first self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 61 located in the first branch 31, a second self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 62 located in the second branch 32, a third self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 63 located in the third branch 41, and a fourth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 64 located in the fourth branch 42. A fifth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 65 with an orifice plate is provided on the fifth branch 51. The orifice plate is integrated inside the fifth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 65 and is used to control the fluid flow rate. When a certain fluid passage needs to be used for air supply, the controller can open the self-locking solenoid shut-off valve on the corresponding passage while keeping the other solenoid valves closed. In addition, flow regulating valves are provided on both the second branch 32 and the third branch 41.

[0034] It should be noted that the fifth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 65 with an orifice plate is not an orifice plate valve, but rather a self-locking solenoid shut-off valve with an orifice plate. The orifice diameter can be selected according to the task requirements. In this embodiment, orifice plate adjustment is used as a last resort. When all proportional control valves in all passages fail completely, the first self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 61, the fifth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 65, and the fourth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 64 can be opened while keeping the other self-locking solenoid shut-off valves closed. Alternatively, the third self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 63, the fifth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 65, and the second self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 62 can be opened while keeping the other self-locking solenoid shut-off valves closed. The orifice plate in the fifth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 65 is used to throttle the fluid flow for flow control. Although the flow adjustment range is small at this time, the normal operation of the system can still be guaranteed.

[0035] Compared to aerospace-grade valves, the fluid control system in this embodiment achieves higher reliability at a lower cost. In particular, the application of orifice plate regulation allows the system to reduce one throttle valve (proportional regulating valve) loop while ensuring high reliability, thereby reducing costs.

[0036] Furthermore, both the first fluid passage 3 and the second fluid passage 4 are equipped with proportional regulating valves for adjusting fluid flow. Specifically, the proportional regulating valves include a first electrically controlled throttle valve 71 located in the second branch 32 and a second electrically controlled throttle valve 72 located in the third branch 41. The first electrically controlled throttle valve 71 is located downstream of the second self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 62, and the second electrically controlled throttle valve 72 is located upstream of the third self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 63. The first electrically controlled throttle valve 71 ensures the stability of the fluid pressure output in the second branch by throttling the fluid downstream of the first fluid passage 3. The second electrically controlled throttle valve 72 establishes a precise pressure buffer mechanism for the third branch by regulating the flow rate upstream of the second fluid passage 4, thereby ensuring that the fluid output of the fourth branch meets the requirements.

[0037] In the above embodiments, to reduce the flow regulation error of the controller, sensors can be installed on each branch. For example, the sensors in this embodiment include a first sensor 81 installed on the first branch 31, a second sensor 82 installed on the second branch 32, a third sensor 83 installed on the third branch 41, a fourth sensor 84 installed on the fourth branch 42, and a fifth sensor 85 installed on the fluid outlet 2 side. The first sensor 81 is used to measure the flow rate and pressure of the fluid flowing through the first self-locking solenoid valve 61 and feed it back to the controller; the second sensor 82 is used to measure the flow rate and pressure of the fluid flowing through the second self-locking solenoid valve 62 and feed it back to the controller; the third sensor 83 is used to measure the flow rate and pressure of the fluid flowing through the second electrically controlled throttle valve 72 and feed it back to the controller; the fourth sensor 84 is used to measure the flow rate and pressure of the fluid flowing through the fourth self-locking solenoid valve 64 and feed it back to the controller; and the fifth sensor 85 is used to measure the flow rate and pressure of the fluid at the fluid outlet 2 and feed it back to the controller.

[0038] Among them, the first sensor 81, the second sensor 82, the third sensor 83, the fourth sensor 84, and the fifth sensor 85 are sensors that integrate flow and pressure measurement functions.

[0039] Alternatively, the first sensor 81, the second sensor 82, the third sensor 83, the fourth sensor 84, and the fifth sensor 85 may be sensors that integrate flow, pressure, and temperature measurement functions. In cases where the valve is temperature-sensitive, such as when the valve coil temperature rises rapidly under certain conditions, the reliability of fluid control can be improved by adaptively adjusting the first and second fluid passages to work alternately.

[0040] The fluid control system in this embodiment achieves system status monitoring. By installing multi-functional sensors at key locations upstream or downstream of each solenoid valve, the system collects and monitors real-time data within the corresponding branch. Typically, each valve group is configured with five flow sensors, but up to three flow sensors can simultaneously participate in the accurate measurement of pipeline flow, depending on actual operating conditions. To improve system reliability, the system employs an intelligent redundancy design. When three flow sensors are operating simultaneously, a multi-machine voting algorithm is used to cross-validate and redundancy check the measurement data, ensuring the accuracy of flow monitoring data and the stability of system operation. This effectively enhances the safety and fault tolerance of the entire control solenoid valve group.

[0041] In any of the above embodiments, the controller is time-synchronized with the satellite platform's computer control system, that is, synchronized with the satellite platform's sensor data. The controller and satellite attitude and orbit control data work together to determine fault information. For example, data from the satellite platform's inertial devices can indicate that the thruster is working normally, thereby determining the effectiveness of the fluid control system.

[0042] In any of the above embodiments, to improve the reliability of the fluid control system, the gas source inlet can be configured as two independent channels, with the first inlet connected to the first gas source and the second inlet reliably connected to the second gas source. This dual-source gas design ensures continuous gas supply through dual-redundancy configuration and automatically activates the backup path in the event of a single gas source failure, effectively improving the reliability and adaptability of the system operation.

[0043] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 Satellites typically employ electric thrusters using krypton as the propellant. The fluid control system in this embodiment must reliably control the krypton supply to the electric thruster. The workflow of the fluid control system in this embodiment is as follows:

[0044] Initially, the third self-locking solenoid valve 63, the fourth self-locking solenoid valve 64, and the second electrically controlled throttle valve 72 of the second fluid passage 4 are kept closed, while the first self-locking solenoid valve 61, the second self-locking solenoid valve 62, and the first electrically controlled throttle valve 71 are opened, thus opening the first fluid passage 3. At this time, the controller, the first electrically controlled throttle valve 71, the first sensor 81, the second sensor 82, and the fifth sensor 85 form a control closed loop, constituting a "two-out-of-three" redundancy, used to regulate the fluid flow rate (krypton flow rate). Typically, one of the first sensor 81, the second sensor 82, and the fifth sensor 85 is used as the negative feedback input, and the measurement results of the three are compared at the required period to determine the state of the individual sensor. When the second fluid passage 4 is open, the third sensor 83, the fourth sensor 84, and the fifth sensor 85 are handled similarly.

[0045] When the loop control system detects a fault in the first electrically controlled throttle valve in the control loop by measuring the valve status (coil current, valve opening sensor) and pressure sensor readings in the circuit, such as the valve being fully open but the sensor not sensing pressure or flow, the loop control system closes the first self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 61 and the second self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 62, opens the third self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 63 and the fourth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 64, and controls the second electrically controlled throttle valve 72 to start working, thus regulating the loop flow.

[0046] Thus, provided that the manufacturing quality of each component is up to standard, the lifespan of the control system in this embodiment is doubled compared to the method of using sensors and valves alone, thereby improving the overall reliability of the satellite.

[0047] Furthermore, when the second electrically controlled throttle valve 72 malfunctions, the third self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 63 is closed, and the first self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 61 and the fifth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 65 with an orifice plate are opened. In this embodiment, the loop system relies on orifice plate throttling to control the flow rate. While the flow rate adjustment range is relatively small, the thruster's output capacity is guaranteed.

[0048] When the circuit used to control the flow sensor completely fails, the control method described in the previous step can still be adopted. Flow control can be achieved using the fifth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve 65 with an orifice plate, ensuring thruster output. In this case, the effectiveness of the flow control can be determined based on satellite inertial device data (such as acceleration) or thruster status data (such as electric thruster anode current).

[0049] In addition, when the valve is sensitive to operating temperature, such as when the valve coil temperature rises rapidly under certain conditions, the reliability of fluid control can be improved by alternating the operation of the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage loop.

[0050] To improve system reliability, the fluid control system in this embodiment adopts an intelligent redundancy design. When 3 to 4 flow sensors are working simultaneously, the measurement data can be cross-validated and redundancy checked through a multi-machine voting algorithm to ensure the accuracy of flow monitoring data and the stability of system operation. This can effectively improve the safety and fault tolerance of the entire control solenoid valve group.

[0051] The above embodiments can be combined with each other and have corresponding technical effects.

[0052] In another aspect, this utility model provides a satellite, which includes at least the fluid control system for a satellite thruster as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0053] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A fluid control system for a satellite thruster, characterized in that, It includes at least: a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage redundantly arranged between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, wherein the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage are each provided with a switching valve, a proportional regulating valve and a sensor that are communicatively connected to the controller; After the controller controls the opening of the on / off valve and the proportional control valve on one of the fluid paths, the sensor on that fluid path measures the fluid and feeds the measured value back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the opening of the proportional control valve on that fluid path based on the received measured value.

2. The fluid control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fluid passage includes a first branch and a second branch connected in series, and the second fluid passage includes a third branch and a fourth branch connected in series. It also includes a fifth branch; one end of the fifth branch is located between the first branch and the second branch, and the other end is located between the third branch and the fourth branch.

3. The fluid control system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The switching valve includes a first self-locking solenoid shut-off valve disposed in the first branch, a second self-locking solenoid shut-off valve disposed in the second branch, a third self-locking solenoid shut-off valve disposed in the third branch, and a fourth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve disposed in the fourth branch. The fifth branch is equipped with a fifth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve with an orifice plate. The orifice plate is located inside the fifth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve and is used to control the fluid flow rate.

4. The fluid control system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The proportional control valve includes a first electrically controlled throttle valve disposed on the second branch and a second electrically controlled throttle valve disposed on the third branch; The first electrically controlled throttle valve is located downstream of the second self-locking solenoid shut-off valve, and the second electrically controlled throttle valve is located upstream of the third self-locking solenoid shut-off valve.

5. The fluid control system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sensor includes a first sensor disposed on the first branch, a second sensor disposed on the second branch, a third sensor disposed on the third branch, a fourth sensor disposed on the fourth branch, and a fifth sensor disposed on the fluid outlet side. The first sensor is used to measure the flow rate and pressure of the fluid flowing through the first self-locking solenoid shut-off valve and to feed it back to the controller; The second sensor is used to measure the flow rate and pressure of the fluid flowing through the second self-locking solenoid shut-off valve and to feed it back to the controller; The third sensor is used to measure the flow rate and pressure of the fluid flowing through the second electronically controlled throttle valve and to feed it back to the controller; The fourth sensor is used to measure the flow rate and pressure of the fluid flowing through the fourth self-locking solenoid shut-off valve and to feed it back to the controller; The fifth sensor is used to measure the fluid flow rate and pressure at the fluid outlet location and feed them back to the controller.

6. The fluid control system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, the fourth sensor, and the fifth sensor are specifically sensors that integrate flow and pressure measurement functions.

7. The fluid control system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, the fourth sensor, and the fifth sensor are specifically sensors that integrate flow, pressure, and temperature measurement functions.

8. The fluid control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The controller synchronizes with the sensor data of the satellite platform.

9. The fluid control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid inlet has two paths: the first inlet is connected to the first gas source, and the second inlet is connected to the second gas source.

10. A satellite, characterized in that, It includes at least the fluid control system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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