A model for macro-performances applied to low power coaxial pulsed plasma thrusters

Li, Hang; Wu, Zhiwen; Sun, Guorui; Zhu, Kening; Huang, Tiankun; Li, Xiangyang; Ling, William Yeong Liang; Wang, Ningfei

doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2019.11.014

Cited by 15 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…However, newer models have been developed [13,[39][40][41], with some leading to very efficient systems [42]; of which, PPTCUP has, to the best of the authors' knowledge, developed the longest lifetime pulsed plasma thruster [43]. While most have focused on parallel plate geometries [13,41], the following will focus on low power (1-100 W) coaxial electrode geometries, as described by [39,44]. Coaxial PPTs are modeled as an electrical system interacting with a mechanical system, in much the same way as parallel plate PPTs, the differences arise in the dissimilar induced magnetic fields and plasma current densities produced by the devices.…”

Section: Thruster Head Modelingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The plasma that is produced also contains plasma resistance R p and plasma inductance L p . The acceleration of the plasma sheet due to the current density (J) interacting with the self-induced magnetic field (B) in the circuit is what provides the electromagnetic thrust force, J × B (Lorentz force), within a pulsed plasma propulsion system [39,44]. As described in the text, each parameter above is taken into account in this model, in order to accurately predict voltage and current changes in the circuit.…”

Section: Coaxial Equivalent Circuit: Carlow-stuttgart Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Here, I(t) is the change of current over time, R c is the internal resistance of the capacitor, R ce is the resistance of the coaxial electrodes, R e is the resistance of the wires and leads, and R p is the plasma resistance, which can be calculated using the formula from [44] as:…”

Section: Coaxial Equivalent Circuit: Carlow-stuttgart Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The summation of these resistance values can be equated to the total resistance, denoted R T . The rate of change of energy stored in the magnetic fields is [44]:…”

Section: Coaxial Equivalent Circuit: Carlow-stuttgart Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These last two terms change as the plasma sheet moves from the surface of the propellant towards the exhaust; hence, the x s term, which shows the variation of the inductance for these terms at each position of x s . The thickness of the plasma sheet δ and radii on inner r i and outer r o electrodes shapes how the inductance varies [44]. Together these terms equate to the total inductance L T .…”

Section: Coaxial Equivalent Circuit: Carlow-stuttgart Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Coaxial Pulsed Plasma Thruster Model with Efficient Flyback Converter Approaches for Small Satellites

et al. 2023

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Pulsed plasma thrusters (PPT) have demonstrated enormous potential since the 1960s. One major shortcoming is their low thrust efficiency, typically <30%. Most of these losses are due to joule heating, while some can be attributed to poor efficiency of the power processing units (PPUs). We model PPTs to improve their efficiency, by exploring the use of power electronic topologies to enhance the power conversion efficiency from the DC source to the thruster head. Different control approaches are considered, starting off with the basic approach of a fixed frequency flyback converter. Then, the more advanced critical conduction mode (CrCM) flyback, as well as other optimized solutions using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, are presented. Variations of these flyback converters are studied under different control regimes, such as zero voltage switching (ZVS), valley voltage switching (VVS), and hard switched, to enhance the performance and efficiency of the PPU. We compare the max voltage, charge time, and the overall power conversion efficiency for different operating regimes. Our analytical results show that a more dynamic control regime can result in fewer losses and enhanced performance, offering an improved power conversion efficiency for PPUs used with PPTs. An efficiency of 86% was achieved using the variable frequency approach. This work has narrowed the possible PPU options through analytical analysis and has therefore identified a strategic approach for future investigations. In addition, a new low-power coaxial micro-thruster model using equivalent circuit model elements is developed.This is referred to as the Carlow–Stuttgart model and has been validated against experimental data from vacuum chamber tests in Stuttgart’s Pulsed Plasma Laboratory. This work serves as a valuable precursor towards the implementation of highly optimized PPU designs for efficient PPT thrusters for the next PETRUS (pulsed electrothermal thruster for the University of Stuttgart) missions.

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Section: Thruster Head Modelingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Coaxial Equivalent Circuit: Carlow-stuttgart Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Coaxial Equivalent Circuit: Carlow-stuttgart Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The summation of these resistance values can be equated to the total resistance, denoted R T . The rate of change of energy stored in the magnetic fields is [44]:…”

Section: Coaxial Equivalent Circuit: Carlow-stuttgart Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Coaxial Equivalent Circuit: Carlow-stuttgart Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

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