Barrier device

Abstract

Provided is a barrier device (100) comprising a plurality of barrier units (2-1 to 2-N) and a control device (1) that controls the barrier units (2-1 to 2-N). Each of the barrier units (2-1 to 2-N) comprises: a plurality of rings (4A to 4D) formed of a conductor and having a loop shape; an energization unit (23) that energizes each of the rings 4 (4A to 4D); and a selection unit (22) that selects the rings (4A to 4D) to be energized. The control device (1) comprises a control unit (13) that outputs an energization command for each of the rings (4A to 4D) to each of the barrier units (2-1 to 2-N).

Description

Barrier Device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a barrier device for protecting a spacecraft from space radiation.

[0002] Spacecraft flying in outer space, such as space stations and artificial satellites, are exposed to cosmic radiation caused by solar flares, etc. When cosmic radiation is irradiated onto the human body or electronic devices, it can have adverse effects on the human body and cause electronic devices to malfunction, among other problems.

[0003] As a method for protecting the human body, electronic devices, etc. from cosmic radiation, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for generating a magnetic field using a solenoid to change the direction of incoming radiation.

[0004] Valerio Calvelli, A Novel Configuration for Superconducting SpaceRadiation Shields, IEEE TRANSACTIONS, https: / / ieeexplore.ieee.org / document / 7792167

[0005] However, the charged particles contained in cosmic radiation have extremely high kinetic energy, and it is necessary to generate a powerful magnetic field in order to change the direction of the cosmic radiation at an angle necessary to protect humans, electronic devices, etc. The technology disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the environment surrounding the spacecraft, and therefore generates a powerful magnetic field all the time, resulting in low energy efficiency.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a barrier device that can improve energy efficiency.

[0007] A barrier device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a barrier device comprising a plurality of barrier units and a control device that controls the barrier units, each barrier unit comprising a plurality of rings formed of a conductor and having a loop shape, a current-carrying section that applies current to each ring, and a selection section that selects the ring to be current-carrying, and the control device comprises a control section that outputs a current-carrying command for each ring to each barrier unit.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the power supplied to the barrier unit and improve energy efficiency.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a barrier device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of conductive rings mounted on a barrier unit. FIG. 3 is a plan view (viewed from the z-axis direction) schematically showing the arrangement of four rings mounted on a barrier unit. FIG. 4 is a front view (viewed from the y-axis direction) schematically showing the arrangement of four rings mounted on a barrier unit. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration in which multiple barrier units are installed in a region D1 in outer space. FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram showing a region of high magnetic field strength formed by the barrier units shown in FIG. 5A. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a protection range D2 set in the region of high magnetic field strength shown in FIG. 5B. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration in which some rings of each barrier unit shown in FIG. 5A are not energized. FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram showing a region of high magnetic field strength formed by the barrier units shown in FIG. 7A. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration in which some rings of each barrier unit shown in FIG. 5A are not energized. Fig. 8B is an explanatory diagram showing a region of high magnetic field strength formed by the barrier unit shown in Fig. 8A. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of this embodiment.

[0010] [Description of First Embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. A barrier device 100 according to this embodiment is installed around a spacecraft such as a space station or an artificial satellite to protect the spacecraft from cosmic radiation. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the barrier device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0011] 1, the barrier device 100 includes a control device 1 and multiple barrier units 2 (2-1 to 2-N). In the following, when multiple barrier units are specifically referred to, they will be referred to with a suffix such as "barrier unit 2-1," and when they are not specifically referred to or when they are referred to collectively, they will be referred to without a suffix, such as "barrier unit 2."

[0012] The control device 1 includes a setting unit 11 , a simulating unit 12 , and a control unit 13 .

[0013] The setting unit 11 accepts operation input from a user. The setting unit 11 acquires radiation information, such as the future arrival time of cosmic radiation, the direction of arrival of cosmic radiation, and the intensity of cosmic radiation, from an external device. The setting unit 11 acquires radiation information provided, for example, by a space weather forecast. The setting unit 11 sets a protection range necessary to protect the spacecraft based on the acquired radiation information. The "protection range" is a range that protects against the arrival of cosmic radiation, and is set based on the size of the spacecraft, the distance between the barrier unit 2 and the spacecraft, and the arrival direction of the cosmic radiation. The setting unit 11 outputs information about the protection range to the simulation unit 12.

[0014] The simulator 12 acquires information about the protection range set by the setting unit 11. The simulator 12 simulates the radiation protection effect in the protection range using parameters including the position and orientation of each barrier unit 2 and the magnetic field generated by each ring 4A to 4D (details of which will be described later). The simulator 12 calculates a barrier configuration for achieving a predetermined protection effect. The barrier configuration includes information about the position and orientation of each barrier unit 2, the rings 4A to 4D to be energized, and the magnetic field strength generated by each ring 4A to 4D. In other words, the simulator 12 simulates the position of each barrier unit 2 and the energization or de-energization of each ring 4 based on the protection range for protecting against radiation. The simulator 12 outputs the barrier configuration information to the control unit 13.

[0015] The control unit 13 calculates information (energization command) regarding which of the multiple barrier units 2 to use, the position of the barrier unit 2, the rings 4A to 4D to be energized, and the power to be supplied to the rings 4A to 4D, based on the barrier configuration information output from the simulating unit 12. The control unit 13 outputs each piece of calculated information to each barrier unit 2. That is, based on the simulation results by the simulating unit 12, the control unit 13 outputs each piece of information, including the energization command for each ring 4, to each barrier unit 2.

[0016] The barrier unit 2 includes a position adjustment unit 21, a selection unit 22, an energization unit 23, and four rings 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D. In the following, when each ring is specifically referred to, it will be referred to with a suffix such as "ring 4A," and when each ring is not specifically referred to or when it is referred to collectively, it will be referred to without a suffix, such as "ring 4."

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, each ring 4 has a loop shape made of a conductor. Therefore, when a current is applied to the ring 4 by the current-carrying unit 23, a magnetic field is generated around the ring 4. FIGS. 3 and 4 are explanatory diagrams showing the arrangement of the rings 4, with FIG. 3 being a plan view and FIG. 4 being a side view. Below, the x, y, and z directions are defined as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The planes enclosed by each ring 4 are arranged so that their normal directions lie on the x-y plane (on the same plane). In other words, the multiple rings 4 mounted on one barrier unit 2 are arranged so that the normal directions of the planes enclosed by each ring 4 lie on the same plane.

[0018] The plane enclosed by each ring 4 is perpendicular to the x-y plane. In this embodiment, an example including four rings 4A to 4D will be described, but the number of rings 4 is not limited to four, and may be two or more. Furthermore, the rings 4 are not limited to being circular, and may form a loop.

[0019] The position adjustment unit 21 adjusts the position and orientation of the barrier unit 2 based on the barrier configuration information output from the control unit 13. As described above, the "barrier configuration" includes information on the position and orientation of each barrier unit 2, the rings 4A to 4D to be energized, and the magnetic field strength generated by each ring 4A to 4D. In other words, the position adjustment unit 21 has the function of adjusting the position of the barrier unit 2 based on the simulation results by the simulation unit 12.

[0020] The selector 22 selects the ring 4 to be energized based on the information on the barrier configuration output from the controller 13. Specifically, the selector 22 selects the ring 4 to be energized from among the four rings 4A to 4D.

[0021] The current supply unit 23 includes a current generator (not shown) and supplies current to the ring 4 selected by the selection unit 22. The current supply unit 23 may be provided for each of the rings 4A to 4D. The current generator can change the current value when energizing. By energizing the conductive ring 4, a magnetic field is generated around the ring 4. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when currents Ia to Id are passed through each of the rings 4A to 4D, spiral magnetic fields indicated by the symbols Ba, Bb, Bc, and Bd are generated, respectively. The strength of each magnetic field Ba, Bb, Bc, and Bd changes depending on the value of the current being passed. That is, increasing the current passing through a ring 4 increases the magnetic field generated in that ring 4, and decreasing the current decreases the magnetic field generated in that ring 4.

[0022] As a result of magnetic fields Ba, Bb, Bc, and Bd being generated in the four rings 4, a magnetic field B1 is generated in the barrier unit 2 as a whole, surrounding each ring 4, as shown in Fig. 3. That is, by combining the magnetic fields Ba, Bb, Bc, and Bd generated by the multiple rings 4, a larger spiral-shaped magnetic field B1 is generated around the barrier unit 2. As a result of the magnetic field B1 being generated around the barrier unit 2, the direction of cosmic radiation coming from around the barrier unit 2 is changed by the Lorentz force.

[0023] That is, the barrier device 100 according to the embodiment employs an electromagnet as a magnetic field generating source, and a barrier unit 2 equipped with multiple magnetic field generating electromagnets (rings 4A to 4D) is installed in space to change the direction of incoming cosmic radiation. By installing multiple barrier units 2 (2-1 to 2-N) around a spacecraft at appropriate locations in the direction of incoming cosmic radiation, the spacecraft can be protected from cosmic radiation.

[0024] For example, when the selection unit 22 selects three rings 4A, 4B, and 4C, the power supply unit 23 energizes only these three rings 4A, 4B, and 4C, but does not energize ring 4D. Therefore, by not energizing the rings 4 that are not required for protection from cosmic radiation, unnecessary power consumption can be reduced.

[0025] Next, a specific example of the barrier device 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0026] 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating ten barrier units 2-1 to 2-10 installed in a region D1 in outer space. The region D1 is an area set in the direction of incoming cosmic radiation around a spacecraft, for example.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5A , of the ten barrier units 2-1 to 2-10, three barrier units 2-1 to 2-3 are installed in the upper row in the y-axis direction, four barrier units 2-4 to 2-7 are installed in the middle row in the y-axis direction, and three barrier units 2-8 to 2-10 are installed in the lower row. The spacecraft (not shown) to be protected is located on the z-axis side of area D1. Therefore, each barrier unit 2 can protect area D1 from cosmic radiation traveling in the z-axis direction. In FIG. 5A , the symbol k shown on each barrier unit 2 indicates which of the four rings 4A to 4D mounted on each barrier unit 2 is energized. That is, all rings 4A to 4D of the ten barrier units 2 shown in FIG. 5A are energized.

[0028] FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the magnetic field strength generated by each barrier unit 2 in region D1 shown in FIG. 5A. In FIG. 5B, hatched regions d1 to d10 indicate regions of high magnetic field strength. Note that a magnetic field of a certain strength is also generated in the regions between each region d (non-hatched regions), although it is weaker than the magnetic field in regions d1 to d10. As shown in FIG. 5B, each barrier unit 2 generates a strong magnetic field. Furthermore, by installing multiple barrier units 2, a wide protection range against cosmic radiation is formed. It can be seen that the area where each barrier unit 2 is installed can be protected from cosmic radiation coming from the surroundings, particularly from the z-axis direction.

[0029] Figure 6 is a diagram in which the protection range D2 is added to the magnetic field strength diagram shown in Figure 5B. As mentioned above, the protection range D2 is the range in which the magnetic field necessary to protect a spacecraft is generated. Here, the spacecraft to be protected is located on the z-axis side of the protection range D2. Therefore, if a strong magnetic field is generated in the protection range D2, the spacecraft can be protected from cosmic radiation.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5A, when all rings 4 (4A to 4D) of the ten barrier units 2 are energized, an area with high magnetic field strength exists even outside the protection range D2, as shown in Figure 6. This results in unnecessary power consumption.

[0031] In this embodiment, power consumption is reduced by de-energizing unnecessary rings 4 based on the barrier configuration using the simulator 12. That is, the rings 4 to be energized in each barrier unit 2 are set so that the magnetic field strength is high within the protection range D2 shown in Fig. 6 and does not become high outside of that range.

[0032] 7A is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which non-energized rings 4 are set in some of the ten barrier units 2. In each barrier unit 2 shown in FIG. 7A , the symbol k indicates the energized rings 4.

[0033] 7A, two rings 4 are energized in barrier unit 2-1, three rings 4 are energized in barrier unit 2-2, two rings 4 are energized in barrier unit 2-3, one ring 4 is energized in barrier unit 2-4, four rings 4 are energized in barrier units 2-5 and 2-6, one ring 4 is energized in barrier unit 2-7, two rings 4 are energized in barrier unit 2-8, three rings 4 are energized in barrier unit 2-9, and two rings 4 are energized in barrier unit 2-10. As a result, the number of energized rings is 60% of the total number of rings. In other words, the number of energized rings is reduced by 40%.

[0034] Figure 7B is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the magnetic field strength generated by each barrier unit 2 when the energized rings 4 are set as in Figure 7A. The shaded areas in Figure 7B indicate areas with high magnetic field strength. By limiting the energized rings 4 as in Figure 7A, it can be seen that the magnetic field strength is increased inside the protection range D2 as shown in Figure 7B. In other words, by limiting the energized rings 4, the magnetic field strength outside the protection range D2 is weakened compared to Figure 6. In this case, the results show that the area within the protection range D2 that can be protected from cosmic radiation is approximately 84%.

[0035] Even if the number of energized rings is reduced by 40%, 84% of the entire protection range D2 is still protected from cosmic radiation. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the power consumption in each ring 4.

[0036] (Example 2) Next, Example 2 will be described. In Example 2, the number of energized rings is further reduced from the configuration shown in Example 1 described above. Fig. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a ring 4 to be de-energized is set in a barrier device according to Example 2. As with Fig. 7A described above, in each barrier unit 2 shown in Fig. 8A, the symbol k indicates the energized ring 4.

[0037] 8A, two rings 4 are energized in barrier unit 2-1, one ring 4 is energized in barrier unit 2-2, two rings 4 are energized in barrier unit 2-3, one ring 4 is energized in barrier unit 2-4, four rings 4 are energized in barrier units 2-5 and 2-6, one ring 4 is energized in barrier unit 2-7, two rings 4 are energized in barrier unit 2-8, one ring 4 is energized in barrier unit 2-9, and two rings 4 are energized in barrier unit 2-10. As a result, the number of energized rings is 50% of the total number of rings. In other words, the number of energized rings is reduced by 50%.

[0038] Figure 8B is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the magnetic field strength generated by each barrier unit 2 when the energized rings 4 are set as in Figure 8A. By limiting the energized rings 4 as in Figure 8A, it can be seen that the magnetic field strength is increased inside the protection range D2 as shown in Figure 8B. In other words, by limiting the energized rings 4, the magnetic field strength outside the protection range D2 is weakened compared to Figure 6. In this case, the results show that the area within the protection range D2 that can be protected from cosmic radiation is approximately 82%.

[0039] Even if the number of energized rings is reduced by 50%, 82% of the entire protection range D2 is still protected from cosmic radiation. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the power consumption in each ring 4.

[0040] As described above, the barrier device 100 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of barrier units 2 and a control device 1 that controls the barrier units 2, and each barrier unit 2 includes a plurality of rings 4 formed of a conductor and having a loop shape, an energizing section 23 that energizes each ring 4, and a selection section 22 that selects the ring 4 to be energized. The control device 1 includes a control section 13 that outputs an energization command for each ring 4 to each barrier unit 2.

[0041] In this embodiment, a conductive ring 4 is used as an electromagnet for generating a magnetic field, and by installing a barrier unit 2 equipped with multiple rings 4A to 4D in space, a strong magnetic field can be generated around a spacecraft. When cosmic radiation, which is a charged particle, enters the area where this magnetic field is generated, a Lorentz force is generated in a direction perpendicular to both the direction of the magnetic field and the direction of the cosmic radiation. The Lorentz force can change the direction of the cosmic radiation, thereby protecting the spacecraft from the cosmic radiation.

[0042] In this embodiment, the position of the barrier unit 2 and the ring 4 to be energized can be set arbitrarily, so that the magnetic field strength can be increased within the required protection range (D2 in FIG. 6). Therefore, the magnetic field strength is not increased more than necessary, which makes it possible to reduce power consumption.

[0043] In this embodiment, the simulator 12 simulates the position of each barrier unit 2 and the energization or de-energization of each ring 4, and the controller 13 outputs an energization command to each barrier unit 2 based on the simulation results by the simulator 12. Therefore, the positions of the multiple barrier units 2 and the rings 4 to be energized can be appropriately set according to conditions such as the size and position of the spacecraft to be protected. As a result, an appropriate protection range can be set for each individual spacecraft, making it possible to obtain a high level of protection with low power consumption.

[0044] In this embodiment, the position adjustment unit 21 changes the position of each barrier unit 2 based on the simulation results by the simulation unit 12, so that the relative positional relationship of each barrier unit 2 can be adjusted, and the area in which the magnetic field is generated can be appropriately adjusted.

[0045] In this embodiment, the multiple rings 4 (4A to 4D) mounted on the barrier unit 2 are arranged so that the normal directions of the respective rings 4 are on the same plane. Therefore, the magnetic fields generated by the rings 4, that is, the spiral magnetic fields Ba, Bb, Bc, and Bd shown in FIG. 3, can efficiently generate a large spiral magnetic field B1 that covers the periphery of the barrier unit 2.

[0046] Furthermore, by switching between energizing and de-energizing each of the rings 4A to 4D as needed, it is possible to generate a magnetic field of the required strength in the required range, which makes it possible to reduce power consumption.

[0047] In this embodiment, by not generating a strong magnetic field in an unnecessary area, the operating costs of the magnetic field barrier can be reduced.

[0048] In this embodiment, it is possible to achieve a configuration that covers all anticipated protection areas by arranging a large number of barrier units 2. It is also possible to arrange a small number of barrier units 2 and move the barrier units 2 to the required protection areas as needed.

[0049] The control device 1 of the present embodiment described above can be, for example, a general-purpose computer system including a CPU (Central Processing Unit, processor) 901, a memory 902, a storage 903 (HDD: Hard Disk Drive, SSD: Solid State Drive), a communication device 904, an input device 905, and an output device 906, as shown in Fig. 9. The memory 902 and the storage 903 are storage devices. In this computer system, the CPU 901 executes a predetermined program loaded on the memory 902, thereby realizing each function of the control device 1.

[0050] The control device 1 may be implemented by one computer or by multiple computers, or may be a virtual machine implemented on a computer.

[0051] The program for the control device 1 can be stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a HDD, SSD, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, CD (Compact Disc), or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or can be distributed via a network. The computer-readable recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium.

[0052] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 control device 2 (2-1 to 2-N) barrier unit 4 (4A to 4D) ring 11 setting section 12 simulating section 13 control section 21 position adjusting section 22 selecting section 23 energizing section 100 barrier device B1 magnetic field D2 protection range

Claims

1. A barrier device comprising a plurality of barrier units and a control device that controls the barrier units, wherein each barrier unit comprises a plurality of rings formed of conductors and having a loop shape, a current-carrying section that applies current to each ring, and a selection section that selects the ring to be current-carried, and the control device comprises a control section that outputs a current-carrying command for each ring to each barrier unit.

2. The barrier device according to claim 1, wherein the control device further comprises a simulation section that simulates the position of each barrier unit and the energization or de-energization of each ring based on a protection range that protects against radiation, and the control section outputs the energization command based on the simulation results by the simulation section.

3. A barrier device according to claim 2, wherein each barrier unit further comprises a position adjustment section that adjusts the position of the barrier unit based on the simulation results obtained by the simulation section.

4. A barrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the multiple rings mounted on one barrier unit are arranged so that the normal directions of the planes enclosed by each ring are on the same plane.

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