Arcjet startup using a shunt output high voltage pulse circuit
US5513087A · kind A · utility
5Cited by
11References
21Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 1993 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/428
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
There is disclosed a power supply for igniting and sustaining an electric arc in an arcjet thruster. The power supply is capable of delivering a short duration, high voltage pulse for igniting the arc and then providing a continuous low voltage, high amperage current for sustaining the arc. A circuit in the power supply includes the combination of a low impedance inductor and a high impedance inductor. High voltage is blocked by the high impedance inductor for initiating the arc. As current begins to flow, the high impedance inductor magnetically saturates and the arc sustaining current flows through the low impedance inductor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.