Air Plasma Propulsion System with RF Ionization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma propulsion systems are complex, environmentally polluting, and lack autonomy, requiring multiple fuels and moving parts, which limits their simplicity, eco-friendliness, and operational freedom.
Innovation Solution
A plasma propulsion system utilizing an air turbine plant and a plasma propulsion unit that ionizes and heats air using a thermal arc and radio frequency, generating plasma with magnetic confinement and acceleration, eliminating the need for electrodes and moving parts, and using a single gas source – air – to produce thrust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional plasma propulsion systems use multiple fuels and moving parts, then propulsion function is achieved, but device complexity increases and autonomy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates all fuel storage systems, electrodes, and moving parts from the propulsion system. The system uses only atmospheric air as propellant, removing the need for complex fuel tanks, multiple propellant supply systems, and electrode assemblies. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces device complexity and increases autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The air turbine serves multiple functions: it compresses air for the Brayton cycle power generation, provides the propellant for plasma propulsion, and drives the generator for electrical power. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full operational capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional plasma propulsion systems use inert gases like Argon, Xenon, or Krypton, then plasma generation is achieved, but loss of substance increases and environmental harm occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of propellant selection from inert gases (Argon, Xenon, Krypton) to atmospheric air. This parameter change eliminates the need to carry expensive, finite fuel supplies and removes environmental contamination risks associated with releasing inert gases. The system uses an abundant, free, and environmentally benign propellant source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by using atmospheric air as propellant. The air turbine intakes air from the environment, processes it through compression and heating, and expels it for thrust. This self-service approach eliminates the need to carry propellant supplies, reducing both substance loss and environmental impact.
3Reliability
If plasma propulsion systems use electrodes and moving accessories, then plasma generation is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical moving parts with a stationary air turbine that operates on compressed air flow. The electromagnetic plasma generation uses a helicon antenna and magnetic field without traditional electrodes. This substitution of mechanical systems with electromagnetic and fluid-dynamic systems eliminates wear, friction, and mechanical failure modes, increasing reliability while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes all electrodes and moving accessories from the plasma generation system. Instead of using electrode-based discharge, it employs a helicon antenna to generate electromagnetic waves that ionize the air in a magnetic field. This extraction of problematic components directly improves reliability by eliminating points of failure.
4Ease of manufacture
If plasma propulsion systems are designed for high performance, then thrust is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the propulsion system into distinct functional modules: air intake and filtration, compression stage, combustion/chamber, turbine stage, and plasma generation section. Each module can be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the complete system. This segmentation makes the high-performance system more manufacturable by breaking down complexity into manageable components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves simplicity, eco-compatibility, and high autonomy by efficiently ionizing and accelerating air plasma, reducing environmental impact and operational complexity while providing a reliable and efficient propulsion method.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting portion 202 located between the power turbine and the duct 201 for plasma flow, wherein the connecting portion has a decreasing cross-section in the direction of the duct 201 plasma flow and comprises an anode 12 and a cathode 11 configured to generate a thermal arc X by means of an RF oscillator so that the residual air in the connecting portion subjected to the thermal arc becomes an ionised and heated air Ai
Implementation Method 2
magnetic means (13,14,16) fixed in such a way as to surround the duct for plasma flow in a ring and designed to generate a corresponding magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
a source of radio frequency or microwaves applied with helical antennas adjacent to and encircling the duct 201 for plasma flow in the magnetic field B generated by the magnetic means 13, 14, 16
Implementation Method 4
Helicon Double Layer - This is a method for circumscribing the flow of gas with helical envelopment which discharges inside it a suitable radiofrequency
Implementation Method 5
a laser source configured to emit a laser wave which passes linearly along the centre of the duct 201 of plasma flow so as to accelerate said plasma just generated in the magnetic field B generated by the magnetic means 13,14,16
Implementation Method 6
discharging means 17 for discharging the plasma PL generated in the duct 201 for plasma flow and comprising a divergent supersonic nozzle 17 with an antenna 15 and shaped in the form of a bell where the discharging means 17 in the outlet of the plasma PL create a thrust power PW produced by the propulsion system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A~4
Figure 2
AI summary
Described is an air plasma propulsion system comprising: a plant (100) with an air turbine (A) designed to receive a supply of air (A) from an outside environment, and a plasma propulsion unit (200) designed to increase a speed of the air (A) after a corresponding ionisation and passage of the air into plasma phase. The plant (100) comprises a turbine (10) which compresses the air which passes into the plasma propulsion unit (200) which strongly ionises it and accelerates it by means of a radio frequency or microwave in a magnetic field.