Hall Thruster Power Supply Oscillation Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply apparatuses for Hall thrusters face challenges in stabilizing operation due to discharge oscillation phenomena, particularly ionization oscillation at 10 kHz, which affects stability, reliability, and durability, and require high-speed control systems that may not effectively suppress oscillations.
Innovation Solution
A power supply apparatus that controls anode voltage, gas flow rate, and magnetic field coil current using a controller to adjust ion acceleration, with parameters interrelated by a function involving anode voltage and coil current, to suppress discharge oscillations and ensure stable operation of the Hall thruster.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional feedback control is used to suppress anode current fluctuations, then the control system can respond to instability, but the discharge oscillation phenomenon cannot be prevented in principle and high-speed control is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by controlling anode voltage, gas flow rate, and coil current based on a pre-established function relationship before discharge oscillation occurs. The controller adjusts these parameters according to the function f(Va, Ic) to proactively prevent oscillation conditions, rather than reacting after instability begins. This eliminates the need for high-speed feedback control while ensuring stable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies parameter changes by systematically adjusting anode voltage (Va), gas flow rate (Q), and coil current (Ic) according to a specific functional relationship. By changing these operating parameters in coordination based on the function f(Va, Ic), the system maintains operation within stable regions and prevents discharge oscillation without requiring complex high-speed control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If anode current feedback control is implemented, then current fluctuations can be detected, but the fundamental cause of discharge oscillation cannot be eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The controller proactively adjusts operating parameters based on the function f(Va, Ic) before discharge oscillation develops. By maintaining anode voltage, gas flow rate, and coil current within stable operating regions defined by the function, the system prevents oscillation onset rather than detecting and responding to it, eliminating the need for complex detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a functional relationship f(Va, Ic) as an intermediary that connects control parameters. This function serves as a guide for adjusting anode voltage, gas flow rate, and coil current in coordination, ensuring the system operates in stable regions without requiring direct detection of oscillation conditions or complex feedback mechanisms.
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 apparatus effectively prevents discharge oscillations, enabling stable operation of the Hall thruster by regulating anode voltage, gas flow rate, and coil current according to a function-based control method, thereby improving stability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A radial magnetic field is formed in the annular discharge channel. The Hall effect produced by the radial magnetic field causes an azimuthal drift of electrons within the annular discharge channel so that the electrons are kept from moving in an axial direction of the channel.
Implementation Method 2
The Hall effect produced by the radial magnetic field causes an azimuthal drift of electrons within the annular discharge channel so that the electrons are kept from moving in an axial direction of the channel.
Implementation Method 3
A power supply apparatus for controlling an ion accelerator which is provided with an anode, a gas flow rate regulator and a magnetic field generating coil includes a controller for adjusting the magnitude of ion acceleration by the ion accelerator by controlling anode voltage applied to the anode
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus for controlling a Hall thruster which is an ion accelerator includes an anode power supply for applying anode voltage Va to an anode of the Hall thruster, inner and outer coil power supplies for supplying coil current Ic to each of inner and outer magnetic field generating coils of the Hall thruster, a gas flow rate controller for regulating gas flow rate Q via a gas flow rate regulator, and a control unit. The control unit adjusts the magnitude of ion acceleration by the Hall thruster by controlling the anode voltage Va, the gas flow rate Q and the coil current Ic according to a quantity expressed by a function related to the anode voltage Va and the coil current Ic.