• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The invention describes a plasma spatial motor (1) without electrodes with U geometry comprising: an ionization chamber (2) made of a dielectric material: and a magnetic field generating device (5) configured to generate a magnetic field inside the ionization chamber (2) essentially parallel to the walls of said ionization chamber (2), where the ionization chamber (2) is essentially U-shaped comprising a central body and two arms provided with first and second open ends, the magnetic field generation device (5) being configured to generate magnetic nozzles on the first and second ends of the arms of said ionization chamber (1). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
    公开号:ES2733773A1
    申请号:ES201830521
    申请日:2018-05-31
    公开日:2019-12-02
    发明作者:Martinez Mario Merino
    申请人:Universidad Carlos III de Madrid；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    [0001]
    [0002] Plasma spaceless electrode motor with U geometry
    [0003]
    [0004] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
    [0005]
    [0006] The present invention belongs to the field of aerospace engineering, and more specifically to electric space propulsion of space vehicles and satellites.
    [0007]
    [0008] The object of the present invention is a plasma spaceless electrode motor whose novel U-configuration confers significant advantages over current motors.
    [0009]
    [0010] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    [0011]
    [0012] Electric space propulsion is a technology developed since the 1960s and firmly established in the space industry. Due to the higher jet velocities that it obtains, of the order of 10 times higher than those of the chemical propulsion, the electric propulsion presents significant savings of propellant mass, which translates into a much lower mission cost. Therefore, currently about one third of satellites in orbit use this type of propulsion, and its use is expected to grow in the coming years before the emergence of new market niches in the field of micropropulsion.
    [0013]
    [0014] Within this context, ionic grid motors, and Hall effect engines are among the most commercially successful. However, they have limitations and problems associated with the presence of electrodes and their complexity as a system. A new generation of motors in development consists of plasma motors without electrodes and with magnetic nozzle. Fig. 1 shows a representative schematic image of such an engine (100). The propellant gas is introduced, through a propellant injector (103), into an ionization chamber (102) made of a dielectric material and having a straight cylindrical shape with an open end and another closed end. The propellant gas is ionized inside the ionization chamber (102) by means of a radiofrequency discharge emitted by an ionization device (104) to create a plasma. The ionization device (104) of this example is an antenna, although it could also be implemented by a waveguide. Magnetic field generating devices (105) arranged around the ionization chamber (102) generate a magnetic field that can be divided into an inner magnetic field (106a) and magnetic field exterior (106b). The inner magnetic field (106a) refers to the essentially rectilinear magnetic field inside the ionization chamber (102), while the outer magnetic field (106b) refers to the magnetic field that diverges outward already outside the chamber ( 102) ionization. Because of the divergent shape adopted by the lines of the outer magnetic field (106b), this portion of the motor (100) is called the "magnetic nozzle". The magnetic field generating devices (105) can be coils or, alternatively, permanent magnets can be used. The use of permanent magnets is advantageous because it does not consume energy for its operation, although it has the disadvantage that the intensity and geometry of the magnetic field is not controllable in flight. In any case, the generated inner magnetic field (106a) enables the propagation of electromagnetic waves within the ionization chamber (102), and protects the side walls of the ionization chamber (102). Plasma flows to the open end of the ionization chamber (102), where it is ejected at high speed through the magnetic nozzle formed by the outer magnetic field (106b). As a result of the expulsion of the plasma mass, a thrust force is generated on the motor assembly (100) directed in the opposite direction to the ejected plasma.
    [0015]
    [0016] Main advantages of this technology over ionic grid motors and Hall effect engines are: its simplicity at the system level; the ability to operate without using electrodes exposed to plasma that may limit the life of the motor; the flexibility that confers it to be able to modify the propellant, the power, the thrust and the specific impulse of the engine in a wide range, supposedly without deteriorating efficiency; and the absence of electrodes and especially an external neutralizer, which complicates the design and operation. The most important motors within this family are the helicon plasma engine, which uses radio frequencies in the order of a few MHz to excite helicon-like electromagnetic waves in the plasma, and the electron cyclotronic resonance motor, which works in the microwave range and exploits cyclotron electron resonance to operate.
    [0017]
    [0018] However, these types of engines have the following drawbacks:
    [0019]
    [0020] i) Loss of efficiency due to recombination of plasma in the back wall
    [0021]
    [0022] Due to the operation of this motor itself, approximately 50% of the plasma generated in the ionization chamber moves in the direction of the closed end of the ionization chamber and recombines in the wall located in said closed end. This implies not only the loss of half of the possible thrust efficiency, but also the erosion of the wall of the closed end of the motor and greater heat flow to said wall, which makes thermal control of the motor more complex.
    [0023]
    [0024] ii) Generation of a non-zero magnetic dipole in the motor
    [0025]
    [0026] The applied magnetic field has a non-zero net magnetic dipole. Due to this, the geomagnetic field of the Earth exerts a pair of forces on the motor (magneto-torque) that, although small, is continuous. When the engine is implemented in a satellite in low orbit, this pair of forces affects the attitude control system of the satellite.
    [0027]
    [0028] This problem can be mitigated by using as a magnetic field generation device controllable intensity coils that allow, from time to time, to reverse the direction of the electric current and therefore also the direction of the magnetic dipole of the field, or to turn it off completely. However, this solution implies greater complexity in the electric power unit of the motor, and is not feasible with permanent magnets.
    [0029]
    [0030] Another alternative to mitigate this problem is to duplicate the system by placing two motors in parallel but with opposite magnetic polarities, so that the resulting dipole is null.
    [0031]
    [0032] iii) High divergence of the plasma jet
    [0033]
    [0034] Plasma motors with magnetic nozzles usually have a quite high jet divergence (50 ° or greater), well above that of ionic grid motors, and somewhat higher than Hall effect engines. A high jet divergence implies losses of thrust efficiency and makes it difficult to integrate the motor on board the satellite.
    [0035]
    [0036] Reducing the divergence in a plasma motor without electrodes and with a current magnetic nozzle requires more massive and bulky magnetic circuits, to generate a magnetic nozzle with less divergence.
    [0037]
    [0038] iv) Low use of propellant
    [0039]
    [0040] Due to the rectilinear geometry and the finite length of the ionization chamber, part of the propellant escapes from it without becoming ionized, which results in loss of propellant utilization.
    [0041]
    [0042] Attempts to solve this problem include increasing the length of the engine chamber to provide more space to ionize the propellant, diaphragms at the exit of the ionization chamber that reduce the output section for the neutral propellant, and injection systems tangential. However, despite these attempts, existing electrodeless and magnetic nozzle motors have low propulsive efficiency.
    [0043]
    [0044] v) Lack of a simple push vectorization solution
    [0045]
    [0046] This type of engine lacks a thrust vectorization system that allows to reorient the plasma jet and thus create a pair of forces to control the attitude of the satellite. That is, it is not possible to generate a couple of forces on the engine, and therefore on the satellite or space vehicle as a whole, to orient it according to a desired direction. This ability is necessary to correct alignment errors with the center of mass and gain operational flexibility. Currently, this is solved by mounting the engine on an oscillating mechanical platform that increases the cost, mass, and complexity of the system.
    [0047]
    [0048] Alternatively, plasma electrodeless motors with magnetic nozzle accept another solution based on P201331790. This document describes a new configuration of the magnetic field generating device that allows reorienting the plasma jet so that a pair of control forces are generated over the satellite's mass center. Fig. 2 shows a simplified two-dimensional scheme of such an engine (200) whose general configuration is identical to the previous one: a straight cylindrical ionization chamber (202) having a closed end and an open end, an injector (203) of propellant, an ionization device (204), and magnetic field generation devices (205a, 205b, 205c). More specifically, the inner magnetic field generating device (205c) disposed around most of the length of the ionization chamber (202) is primarily responsible for generating the inner magnetic field (206a), while the devices ( 205a, 205b) of generating the outer magnetic field disposed in a position adjacent to the open end of the ionization chamber (202) are primarily responsible for generating the outer magnetic field (206b) that It constitutes the magnetic nozzle. The particularity of this configuration is that the devices (205a, 205b) for generating the external magnetic field are formed by two independently fed coils whose axes, in this simplified two-dimensional example, are inclined in two different directions and angularly equispaced in relation to the xy plane . In other words, the coils (205a, 205b) are not contained in the x plane itself and perpendicular to the direction of the end of the arms of the ionization chamber (202). When inclined, the magnetic field generated by each of the coils (205a, 205b) is not symmetrical in relation to the z axis of symmetry of the ionization chamber (202).
    [0049]
    [0050] Thus, when, under normal operating conditions, both coils (205a, 205b) are fed with the same number of amps, the generated magnetic field is essentially symmetrical in relation to the z axis of symmetry of the ionization chamber (202), and therefore the thrust generated by the accelerated plasma is oriented along the symmetry z axis. That is, in this situation no pair of control forces is generated with respect to the axis of symmetry of the engine ionization chamber (200), that is, the z axis.
    [0051]
    [0052] On the contrary, Fig. 3a shows a case in which only the coil (205a) is fed. The magnetic field generated by the coil (205a) causes the plasma to accelerate in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plane of the coil itself (205a), generating a pair of forces around the axis and counterclockwise. Conversely, Fig. 3b shows a case in which only the coil (205b) is fed, in this case a couple of forces appear around the axis and clockwise.
    [0053]
    [0054] Fig. 4 shows a representative figure of the external part of an engine (300) as described in patent P201331790, comprising three coils (305a, 305b, 305c) inclined in three different directions. This three-dimensional configuration allows to deflect the vector of the thrust force around axes contained in the xy plane.
    [0055]
    [0056] However, even by implementing any of these two solutions in a current plasma engine, it is still not possible to produce a pair of control forces along the z axis of motor symmetry, so the thrust vectorization remains incomplete.
    [0057] In short, there is still a need in this field for drive devices capable of solving these and other additional problems.
    [0058]
    [0059] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    [0060]
    [0061] First, the meaning of some terms that will be used throughout this document is described:
    [0062]
    [0063] Central line of the ionization chamber: Refers to the central line of the ionization chamber, assuming this as a prism of not necessarily circular or necessarily constant cross-section whose guideline is U-shaped. Therefore, the central line is U-shaped. contained in a plane that runs through the center of the ionization chamber from the first end to the second end.
    [0064]
    [0065] Z axis: Axis parallel to the direction of travel of the motor that passes through a point located on the line that joins the center of the first end and the center of the second end of the ionization chamber and that is at the same distance from both centers. It is the only axis of symmetry of the U-shaped ionization chamber.
    [0066]
    [0067] X axis: Axis perpendicular to the z axis that passes through the center of the first and second ends of the ionization chamber. The x axis cuts to the z axis at the point described above.
    [0068]
    [0069] Y axis: Axis perpendicular to the x-axis and the z-axis that passes through the point described above, so that the x, y, z axes form a right-handed trihedron.
    [0070]
    [0071] Xz plane: Plane containing the x and z axes described above. It is a first plane of symmetry of the ionization chamber, or middle plane, which completely contains the central line of said ionization chamber.
    [0072]
    [0073] Yz plane: Plane containing the z and y axes described above. It is the background of symmetry of the ionization chamber.
    [0074]
    [0075] Xy plane: Plane containing the x and y axes described above. It is a plane perpendicular to the first plane of symmetry of the ionization chamber and the direction of travel of the motor.
    [0076] A first aspect of the present invention is directed to an improved electroless plasma motor with a new U-configuration that resolves or mitigates the above drawbacks and provides additional advantages.
    [0077]
    [0078] The new plasma motor mainly comprises an ionization chamber made of a dielectric material and a magnetic field generation device, where the magnetic field generation device is configured to generate a magnetic field inside the essentially parallel ionization chamber. to the walls of said ionization chamber. The plasma engine of the invention differs mainly from the prior art engines in that the ionization chamber is essentially U-shaped, comprising a central body and two arms provided with first and second open ends oriented essentially towards the same side. , the magnetic field generation device also being configured to generate magnetic nozzles at the first and second ends of the arms of said ionization chamber.
    [0079]
    [0080] This configuration gives this new engine a large number of advantages over the conventional rectilinear configuration.
    [0081]
    [0082] First, since the ionization chamber of the motor of the present invention is essentially U-shaped with both open ends provided with respective magnetic nozzles, the wall of the closed end existing in the rectilinear configuration of the prior art is removed. Instead, with this configuration two essentially parallel plasma jets are generated that contribute to the motor drive. Therefore, the first drawback i) described in the previous section is completely eliminated.
    [0083]
    [0084] Second, the magnetic dipoles generated by the magnetic field portions of the arms of the U cancel each other for the most part, since they are magnetic fields with the same direction and intensity but with opposite polarities. The dipole generated by the magnetic field portion associated with the central body of the U would essentially remain in the motor of the invention, which can be designed to be smaller than that generated by the entire magnetic field generated in the case of the rectilinear configuration of the prior art Therefore, the second drawback ii) described in the previous section is partially mitigated.
    [0085]
    [0086] Third, the divergence of the motor of the invention is smaller than that of the traditional magnetic nozzle of the rectilinear configuration of the prior art. The reason is that, in the engine of the invention, at least part of the magnetic lines leaving the end of one arm of the U connect with part of the magnetic lines that leave the end of the other arm. Moreover, as will be described in more detail later in this document, in the engine of the invention it is possible to orient the arms of the U of the ionization chamber slightly inwards to further reduce the divergence. Therefore, the third drawback iii) described in the previous section can be greatly mitigated.
    [0087]
    [0088] Fourth, the U-shape of the ionization chamber allows for a longer residence time of the neutral propellant within the engine relative to conventional rectilinear chambers, potentially increasing the possibility of its ionization occurring and, therefore, improving the efficiency in the use of the propellant. Therefore, the fourth inconvenience iv) described in the previous section can be partially mitigated.
    [0089]
    [0090] In the following, the main elements that make up the plasma engine according to the invention are described in greater detail, as well as various optional configurations that provide additional advantages.
    [0091]
    [0092] Ionization chamber
    [0093]
    [0094] It is an ionization chamber made of a dielectric material similar to that used for current ionization chambers, although essentially U-shaped with both ends open. This means that the central line of the ionization chamber is not rectilinear as in the prior art engines, but has a curve so that the two ends of the arms that emanate from the central body are oriented essentially towards the same side. This form could also be defined as essentially semi-toroidal shape, essentially horseshoe shape, or essentially prism shape whose axis has a curve. This shape could also be interpreted as a leaking magnetic bull on one of its sides. In any case, the main concept underlying this definition is that the ionization chamber has a central body and two arms, and that the two ends of the arms are oriented essentially towards the same side. In this context, when talking about the "direction of the end of an arm" is intended to refer to the direction of the center line of the corresponding arm just at the end of said arm.
    [0095]
    [0096] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the ends of the arms form an angle between 45 ° and -45 °, more preferably between 30 ° and -30 °, with respect to the second plane of symmetry of the chamber of ionization or plane yz. Various reasons could justify a certain deviation of the exit ends of the arms in relation to the direction of travel of the motor, such as reasons related to the control of the divergence of the plasma jet emitted by the magnetic nozzles.
    [0097]
    [0098] According to an even more preferred embodiment of the invention, the ends of the arms are essentially parallel to the second plane of symmetry of the ionization chamber or yz plane. In this context, the term "essentially parallel" referring to the ends of the arms of the ionization chamber and the corresponding magnetic nozzles admits deviations of the order of some degrees, for example up to 5 ° or 10 °. That is, it is not It is essential that the ends of the arms of the ionization chamber are oriented exactly in parallel, but can form a certain angle in relation to the plane of symmetry and z of the ionization chamber.
    [0099]
    [0100] On the other hand, it is important to note that the cross section of the ionization chamber does not necessarily have to be constant, nor necessarily circular. It would be possible to design a motor according to the present invention where the ionization chamber has a variable section along its length, and / or an essentially elliptical section or in any other suitable way.
    [0101]
    [0102] Magnetic Field Generation Device
    [0103]
    [0104] The magnetic field generating device may comprise coils, permanent magnets, or a combination of both. In addition, in the case of using coils these could be conventional or superconducting. In any case, the magnetic field generating device must be capable of generating a magnetic field inside the ionization chamber that is essentially parallel to the walls of said ionization chamber. Thus, during plasma operation, the plasma generated inside the ionization chamber is confined by the magnetic field, which limits the plasma flow to the chamber wall and allows the longitudinal flow of plasma in both directions to along the chamber until it exits through the respective ends of the arms. In this way, the plasma impacts against the wall of the ionization chamber are reduced, which allows to increase the efficiency of the motor, facilitate its thermal design, and increase its useful life. The applied magnetic field can also play a role in the propagation and absorption of the electromagnetic waves used to generate and heat the plasma.
    [0105]
    [0106] As for the external magnetic field, from the two outputs of the ionization chamber the applied magnetic field forms two magnetic nozzles in what will be called the near region. The magnetic field lines of said nozzles connect to each other, at least partially, downstream in what will be called a distant region. This configuration will be called a tandem magnetic nozzle. The magnetic nozzles in the nearby region guide the quasi-neutral expansion and acceleration of the plasma produced during engine operation to form individual plasma jets in the nearby region. The jets come into contact and interact in the far region. The magnetic field applied in the far region is weak enough to allow the already accelerated plasma to detach from it and / or for the plasma to stretch and drag the field lines with it, emitting into space.
    [0107]
    [0108] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the magnetic field generation device comprises a first magnetic field generation element for generating mainly the magnetic nozzle of the first end of the U, a second magnetic field generating element for generating mainly the magnetic nozzle of the second end of the U, and a third element of magnetic field generation to generate mainly the magnetic field inside the ionization chamber. This configuration of the magnetic field generation device makes it possible to ensure that the shape of the magnetic field is adequate. Specifically, the first and second elements make it possible to design the shape of the respective magnetic nozzles, while the third element makes it possible to ensure that the magnetic field inside the ionization chamber is essentially parallel to its walls. In any case, in principle each of the first, second, and third elements may be formed by permanent magnets or coils.
    [0109]
    [0110] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first magnetic field generation element and the second magnetic field generation element are independently controllable intensity coils. An advantage of this configuration is that it allows generating pairs of control forces around the "y" axis. Indeed, by varying the relative intensity of the coils of each arm, the effective area of the magnetic throat of the magnetic nozzles of the motor is differentially throttled. of the invention, thereby regulating the plasma flow through them, resulting in two plasma jets of different thrust that generate a pair of forces on the "y" axis. Therefore, this configuration partially mitigates the problem v) described in the previous section.
    [0111]
    [0112] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the third magnetic field generation element is a permanent magnet. Indeed, in order to generate the torque on the "y" axis, it is not necessary to make any modification in the magnetic field inside the ionization chamber. Therefore, it is possible to use a permanent magnet as the third element of the magnetic field generation, thus reducing the complexity of the installation electrical required and reducing system consumption.
    [0113]
    [0114] In yet another particular embodiment alternative to the previous one, the third magnetic field generation element is also an independently controllable intensity coil. This configuration is advantageous because it allows the use of said magnetic field generating elements as magnetotorquers when not operating with plasma. In fact, there are satellites in low orbit that have magneto-torquers, magnetic coils whose current intensity can be controlled, in order to interact with the geomagnetic field and generate a pair of control forces for the attitude control system of the vehicle. Currently, magneto-torquers and plasma motors are different and independent devices. However, by being independently controllable in this embodiment of the invention the first, second and third magnetic field generation elements, and being the magnetic fields generated by them directed in different directions, it is possible to generate a net dipole contained in the mean plane xz of the ionization chamber whose magnitude and direction is controllable according to the intensity applied to each of said elements. In this way, the magnetic field generation device itself unifies the propulsion and magneto-torquer functions for attitude control on the "x" and "z" axes.
    [0115]
    [0116] In another even more preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the first magnetic field generation element and the second magnetic field generation element comprises two pairs of coils inclined at the same angle in opposite directions relative to the first plane of symmetry of the motor, the intensity of the current of each coil of each of said pairs of coils being independently controllable to selectively orient the respective magnetic nozzles.
    [0117]
    [0118] That is to say, a system similar to that of patent P201331790 is implemented here, although only with two coils in each of the first magnetic field generation element and the second magnetic field generation element. Thus, when two coils inclined towards the same side are activated with greater intensity in the first and second magnetic field generation elements, both plasma jets can be deflected in the same direction and generate a pair of control forces around the "x" axis contained in the middle plane and perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the chamber. Alternatively, when two coils inclined towards opposite sides are activated with greater intensity in the first and second magnetic field generation elements, each jet is deflected of plasma in different directions and generate a pair of control forces around the "z" axis of symmetry of the ionization chamber. Naturally, in a manner equivalent to that described above, that is, activating with greater intensity one of between the first and second magnetic field generation elements, it is possible to generate a pair of control forces around the "y" axis. In this way, a full thrust vectorization of the motor is achieved, in three axes.
    [0119]
    [0120] Additional items
    [0121]
    [0122] Naturally, an engine according to the present invention comprises a series of additional elements for performing functions equivalent to those performed in prior art engines, among which the following may be noted
    [0123]
    [0124] - Propellant injector
    [0125]
    [0126] The engine of the invention will comprise a gaseous propellant injector in the ionization chamber. In general, it is a propellant injector similar to those used in prior art engines, which may comprise an injector head or more to introduce the propellant in a gaseous state into the ionization chamber in the desired amount and shape. Optionally, the injector head or heads are designed to impart an azimuthal velocity of the gas. Note that it is not necessary for the propellant injector to be located on the main axis of symmetry of the ionization chamber, that is, in a symmetrical central position of the essentially U-shaped chamber.
    [0127]
    [0128] - Ionization device
    [0129]
    [0130] The engine of the invention will comprise an ionization system to ionize the gaseous propellant present inside the ionization chamber. In general, it is an ionization system similar to those used in prior art engines, which may comprise one or more emitting antennas, either one or more emitting waveguides, or a combination of both, to emit the electrical power in the form of electromagnetic radiation at the desired frequency and mode on the plasma. Note that it is not necessary for the emitters to be necessarily located on the main axis of symmetry of the ionization chamber, that is, in a centrally symmetrical position of the chamber essentially U-shaped. On the other hand, the emission frequency is a design parameter that can vary from fractions of MHz to hundreds of GHz to exploit the propagation of different types of waves, such as helicon waves, and / or different types of resonances, such as electron cyclotron resonance, to generate and heat the plasma
    [0131] Moreover, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the motor further comprises a secondary magnetic field generation device located essentially parallel to the central body of the ionization chamber to cancel out the net magnetic dipole caused by the generated magnetic field. by the magnetic field generation device. This secondary device can be a permanent oriented coil or magnet so that it generates a magnetic field whose dipole has the same magnitude and direction but opposite direction to the net dipole generated by the magnetic field generating device. This net dipole is generated primarily by the portion of the magnetic field that runs through the central body of the ionization chamber, since the dipoles generated by the portions of the magnetic field that travel the arms essentially cancel each other out. In this way, the magnetic dipole of the field generated by the magnetic field generating device is substantially annulled.
    [0132]
    [0133] A second aspect of the present invention is directed to the use as a magneto-torquer of a plasma motor without electrodes with U geometry of the type described above where the first, second, and third element of magnetic field generation are implemented by means of intensity coils independently controllable. Said use of the motor comprises, in the absence of plasma in the ionization chamber, applying an intensity to one or more of the first magnetic field generation element, the second magnetic field generation element, and the third generation element of magnetic field to generate a magnetic dipole of a desired magnitude and intensity in order to control the attitude of a space vehicle in which the engine is installed.
    [0134]
    [0135] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
    [0136]
    [0137] Fig. 1 shows a first example of a plasma motor without electrodes and with a magnetic nozzle according to the prior art.
    [0138]
    [0139] Fig. 2 shows a second example of a plasma engine according to the prior art.
    [0140]
    [0141] Figs. 3a and 3b show two examples of use of the plasma engine of Fig. 2.
    [0142]
    [0143] Fig. 4 shows the outermost part of a third example of a plasma engine according to the prior art.
    [0144] Fig. 5 shows a view along the axis and of a first example of a plasma motor according to the present invention which is provided with a first and second magnetic field generation elements of independently controllable intensity.
    [0145]
    [0146] Figs. 6a and 6b show how a pair of control forces around the axis and in the plasma engine of the first example shown in according to the perspective of Fig. 5 is obtained.
    [0147]
    [0148] Fig. 7 shows a view along the x axis of the first example of a plasma motor shown in Fig. 5.
    [0149]
    [0150] Figs. 8a and 8b show how a pair of control forces around the x-axis is obtained in the plasma engine of the first example shown according to the perspective of Fig. 7.
    [0151]
    [0152] Fig. 9 shows a view along the z axis of the first example of a plasma motor shown in Fig. 5.
    [0153]
    [0154] Figs. 10a and 10b show how a pair of control forces around the z axis is obtained in the plasma engine of the first example shown according to the perspective of Fig. 9.
    [0155]
    [0156] Fig. 11 shows a view along the axis and of a second example of a plasma motor according to the present invention.
    [0157]
    [0158] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
    [0159]
    [0160] Two examples of motors (1) according to the present invention are described below with reference to the attached figures. In both examples, similar elements are denoted using the same reference numbers, and to avoid unnecessary repetition a complete description of said elements is omitted in the description of the second example.
    [0161]
    [0162] First example
    [0163]
    [0164] Fig. 5 shows a first example of a motor (1) according to the invention where the ionization chamber (2) is essentially U-shaped formed by an essentially semitoroidal central body from which an essentially straight and parallel first arm and second arm emanate each. This ionization chamber (2) has a circular cross-section of constant section along its entire length. The U-shaped center line (D) runs through the center from the ionization chamber (2) from the end of the first arm, or first end, to the end of the second arm, or second end.
    [0165]
    [0166] The magnetic field generation device (5) is formed by three magnetic field generation elements (51, 52, 53). A first magnetic field generation element (51) disposed at the end of the first arm primarily generates the first arm magnetic nozzle and a second magnetic field generation element (52) disposed at the end of the second arm primarily generates the magnetic nozzle of the second arm. Both magnetic nozzles combine to give rise to an external magnetic field (6b) downstream in the form of a tandem nozzle. The magnetic field generating device (5) further comprises a third magnetic field generating element (53) disposed around the body and arms of the ionization chamber (2) to ensure an inner magnetic field (6a) essentially parallel to the walls of said chamber (2). At least the first (51) and second (52) magnetic field generation elements are independently controllable intensity coils for the purpose of allowing the generation of control force pairs around the three motor axes (1). Depending on the needs of the application, the third magnetic field generation element (53) could be implemented as a magnet or as an independently controllable intensity coil.
    [0167]
    [0168] As seen in the view of this motor example (1) shown in Fig. 7, each of the first and second magnetic field generation elements (51, 52) is in turn formed by a respective pair of coils (51a, 51b; 52a, 52b). The axis of one of the coils (51a, 52a) of each pair is inclined in a first direction relative to the xz plane, and the axis of the other coil (51b, 52b) of each pair is inclined in a second direction symmetrical to the first direction in relation to the xz plane. In addition, the electric current for each of the coils (51a, 51b; 52a, 52b) is independently controllable.
    [0169]
    [0170] The magnetic field generated by the device (5) as a whole generates a magnetic dipole that can be broken down into three parts, as shown in Fig. 5. The two parts generated by the magnetic field that runs through the arms of the camera ( 2) Ionization have the same magnitude and direction but opposite directions, and therefore cancel each other out. The third part, generated by the magnetic field that runs through the central body of the ionization chamber (2), has a much smaller magnitude, so the torque that appears on the motor due to the geomagnetic field is much smaller than in the prior art engines.
    [0171] This motor (1) also comprises the additional elements normal in this type of devices, such as the propellant injector (3) and the ionization system (4). As discussed earlier in this document, it is not necessary that these elements be located symmetrically in the central portion of the ionization chamber (2), but that in principle they could be located anywhere in the same including the arms.
    [0172]
    [0173] During normal operation of the motor (1) shown according to various perspectives in Figs. 5, 7 and 9, the first coil (51) and the second coil (52) are fed equally. That is, the pair of coils (51a, 51b) that constitute the first magnetic field generation element (51) and the pair of coils (52a, 52b) that constitute the second magnetic field generation element (52) are fed With the same intensity. As a consequence, the magnetic nozzles emanating from the first end and the second end of the ionization chamber (2) are equal and parallel, although the magnetic field in them has opposite senses. As shown in greater detail in Fig. 5, in a distant region sufficiently far from the ends of the arms the field lines of the magnetic nozzles connect with each other, forming a tandem magnetic nozzle, and the magnetic field in said region. It is weak enough for the plasma to detach and thus be emitted into space. In this situation, the motor (1) is driven forward according to the direction of travel and there are no forces due to the emission of the plasma jet.
    [0174]
    [0175] When it is desired to exert a pair of control forces on the motor (1) around the y-axis, a greater intensity is applied to one of the first magnetic field generation element (51) and the second generation element (52) of magnetic field. More specifically, an intensity can be applied to the first magnetic field generation element (51), that is, to the pair of coils (51a, 51b), greater than the intensity that is applied to the second magnetic field generation element (52) , that is, to the pair of coils (52a, 52b). As a consequence, the first magnetic nozzle has a narrower magnetic throat than the second magnetic nozzle, emits a smaller amount of plasma, and therefore generates a lower thrust. The result, as seen in Fig. 6a, is that a pair of control forces are generated around the axis and clockwise.
    [0176]
    [0177] Conversely, an intensity can be applied to the second magnetic field generation element (52), that is, to the pair of coils (52a, 52b), greater than the intensity that is applied to the first magnetic field generation element (51), that is, to the pair of coils (51a, 51b). As a consequence, the second magnetic nozzle has a magnetic throat narrower than the first magnetic nozzle, emits a smaller amount of plasma, and therefore generates a lower thrust. The result, as seen in Fig. 6b, is that a pair of control forces are generated around the axis and in a counterclockwise direction.
    [0178]
    [0179] When it is desired to exert a pair of control forces on the motor around the x-axis, a higher intensity is applied to one coil of each pair of coils (51a, 51b; 52a, 52b) so that both magnetic nozzles are inclined towards the same side with respect to the xz plane. Note that in this case the total intensities, that is, the number of ampere turns, which are applied to the first and second field generating elements (51, 52) are the same, but the distribution of said ampere turns between the coils (51a, 51b) ; 52a, 52b) of each pair.
    [0180]
    [0181] More specifically, an intensity can be applied to the coil (51b) and to the coil (52b) greater than the intensity that is applied to the coil (51a) and to the coil (52a). Since both coils (51b, 52b) are inclined to one side of the xz plane according to the negative direction of the y-axis, the first and second magnetic nozzles will also be inclined, deflecting both plasma jets in the same direction, and consequently generates a pair of control forces around the x-axis in a counterclockwise direction, as shown in Fig. 8a.
    [0182]
    [0183] Conversely, an intensity can be applied to the coil (51a) and to the coil (52a) greater than the intensity that is applied to the coil (51b) and to the coil (52b). Fig. 8b shows how, when the coils (51a, 52a) are inclined towards the other side of the xz plane according to the positive direction of the y-axis, the first and the second magnetic nozzles are also inclined, deflecting both plasma jets in the same direction, and a pair of control forces are generated around the x-axis clockwise.
    [0184]
    [0185] When it is desired to exert a pair of forces on the motor (1) around the z axis, that is, around its own axis of symmetry, a greater intensity is applied to a coil of each pair of coils (51a, 51b; 52a, 52b) so that they are inclined to different sides relative to the xz plane. Also in this case the number of total amps applied to the first and second field generating elements (51, 52) are the same, but the distribution between the coils (51a, 51b; 52a, 52b) of each pair changes.
    [0186]
    [0187] More specifically, an intensity can be applied to the coil (51a) and to the coil (52b) greater than the intensity that is applied to the coil (51b) and to the coil (52a). Since the coil (51a), located at the end of the first arm, is tilted to one side of the plane xz according to the positive direction of the y-axis, and the coil (52b), located at the end of the second arm, is inclined towards the other side of the xz plane according to the negative direction of the y-axis, the respective magnetic nozzles will also be inclined respectively towards either side of the xz plane, that is, respectively according to the positive and negative direction of the y-axis, deflecting the plasma jets in different directions. As a consequence, as seen in Fig. 10a, a pair of control forces are generated around the z-axis clockwise.
    [0188]
    [0189] Conversely, an intensity can be applied to the coil (52a) and to the coil (51b) greater than the intensity that is applied to the coil (52b) and to the coil (51a). Since the coil (51b), located at the end of the first arm, is inclined to one side of the plane xz according to the negative direction of the y-axis, and the coil (52a), located at the end of the second arm, is inclined towards on the other side of the xz plane according to the positive direction of the y-axis, the respective magnetic nozzles will also be inclined respectively towards either side of the zx plane, that is, respectively according to the negative and positive direction of the y-axis, deflecting the plasma jets in different directions. As a consequence, as seen in Fig. 10b, a pair of control forces are generated around the z axis in the opposite direction of the clockwise.
    [0190]
    [0191] Therefore, the motor (1) of the present invention allows generating pairs of control forces in three axes.
    [0192]
    [0193] Second example
    [0194]
    [0195] Fig. 11 shows a second motor example (1) according to the invention comprising essentially the same elements as the motor (1) of the first example shown in Fig. 5 except for three characteristics.
    [0196]
    [0197] First, the motor (1) of this second example comprises a secondary magnetic field generation device (6) formed by a secondary coil (6) essentially parallel to the main direction of the central body of the ionization chamber (2) . This secondary coil (6) generates a magnetic field whose magnetic dipole has the same direction and magnitude but opposite direction in relation to the magnetic dipole generated by the magnetic field that runs through the ionization chamber (2). As a consequence, both dipoles cancel out, thus avoiding the disturbance in the attitude of the satellite caused by the pair of forces generated by the geomagnetic field.
    [0198] Secondly, the ends of the arms of the engine ionization chamber (2) of this second example are not parallel but are inclined inwardly so that they form with the plane yz of symmetry of the motor (1) a certain angle 0o. This inward inclination causes the consequent inward inclination of the respective magnetic nozzles, reducing the divergence of the plasma jet resulting from the tandem nozzle generated by them.
    [0199]
    [0200] Thirdly, the ionization chamber (2) of this example does not have a constant section along its entire length, but said section is reduced in the final sections of the arms, allowing to confine the neutral propellant gas better, increase its residence time in the ionization chamber (2), and thus improve the use of engine propellant (1).
    权利要求:
    Claims (11)
    [1]
    1. Plasma spatial motor (1) without electrodes with U geometry comprising:
    - an ionization chamber (2) made of a dielectric material; Y
    - a magnetic field generating device (5) configured to generate a magnetic field inside the ionization chamber (2) essentially parallel to the walls of said ionization chamber (2),
    characterized in that the ionization chamber (2) is essentially U-shaped comprising a central body and two arms provided with first and second open ends oriented essentially towards the same side, the magnetic field generating device (5) being configured to generate magnetic nozzles on the first and second ends of the arms of said ionization chamber (1).
    [2]
    2. Plasma spaceless motor (1) without electrodes according to claim 1, wherein the first and second open ends of the arms form an angle (0) of between 45 ° and -45 ° with respect to a second plane of symmetry (yz) of the ionization chamber (2) perpendicular to a close-up of symmetry (xz) of the ionization chamber (2) containing a center line (D) of the U-shaped ionization chamber (2).
    [3]
    3. Plasma spaceless motor (1) without electrodes according to claim 2, wherein the angle (0) with respect to the second plane of symmetry (yz) of the ionization chamber (2) is between 30 ° and -30 °.
    [4]
    4. Plasma spatial motor (1) without electrodes according to claim 3, wherein the first and second open ends of the arms are essentially parallel to the second plane of symmetry (yz) of the ionization chamber (2).
    [5]
    5. Plasma space motor (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic field generation device (5) comprises a first magnetic field generation element (51) for generating the magnetic nozzle of the first end, a second magnetic field generation element (52) for generating the second end magnetic nozzle, and a third magnetic field generation element (53) for generating the internal magnetic field to the ionization chamber (2).
    [6]
    6. Plasma space motor (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first magnetic field generation element (51) and the second magnetic field generation element (52) are independently controllable intensity coils.
    [7]
    7. Plasma space motor (1) according to claim 6, wherein the third magnetic field generating element (53) is a permanent magnet.
    [8]
    8. Plasma space motor (1) according to claim 6, wherein the third magnetic field generating element (53) is an independently controllable intensity coil.
    [9]
    9. Plasma space motor (1) according to any of claims 6-8, wherein the first magnetic field generation element (51) and the second magnetic field generation element (52) comprise two pairs of coils ( 51a, 51b; 52a, 52b) inclined at the same angle in opposite directions relative to the first plane of symmetry (xz) of the motor (1), the current intensity of the coils of each of said pairs of coils (51a, 51b; 52a, 52b) independently controllable to selectively orient the respective magnetic nozzles.
    [10]
    10. Plasma space motor (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a secondary magnetic field generation device (6) located parallel to the central body of the ionization chamber (2) to cancel the dipole net magnetic caused by the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating device (5).
    [11]
    11. Use of a plasma spacecraft motor (1) without electrodes with U geometry according to claim 8 comprising, in the absence of plasma in the ionization chamber (2), applying an intensity to one or more of the first element (51) of magnetic field generation, the second element (52) of magnetic field generation, and the third element (53) of magnetic field generation to generate a magnetic dipole of a desired magnitude and intensity for the purpose of controlling the attitude of a space vehicle in which the engine is installed (1).
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    ES2733773B2|2021-10-01|
    WO2019229286A1|2019-12-05|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US3091079A|1959-03-17|1963-05-28|Republic Aviat Corp|Propulsion engine with electromagnetic means to produce propellant acceleration|
    US4815279A|1985-09-27|1989-03-28|The United States Of America As Represented By The National Aeronautics And Space Administration|Hybrid plume plasma rocket|
    ES2540167A1|2013-12-05|2015-07-08|Universidad Politécnica de Madrid|System without mobile parts nor electrodes and procedure to vectorize the push in plasma space engines |
    US20170088293A1|2014-05-21|2017-03-30|Safran Aircraft Engines|Engine for a spacecraft, and spacecraft comprising such an engine|
    WO2017006056A1|2015-07-08|2017-01-12|Safran Aircraft Engines|Hall-effect thruster usable at high altitude|RU2766036C1|2020-04-02|2022-02-07|Орбион Спейс Текнолоджи, Инк.|Hall-effect thruster|
    法律状态:
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    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    ES201830521A|ES2733773B2|2018-05-31|2018-05-31|U-Geometry Electrodeless Plasma Space Engine and Use of U Geometry|ES201830521A| ES2733773B2|2018-05-31|2018-05-31|U-Geometry Electrodeless Plasma Space Engine and Use of U Geometry|
    PCT/ES2019/070364| WO2019229286A1|2018-05-31|2019-05-31|U-shaped plasma space engine without electrodes and use of this engine|
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