Electric propulsion device for high power applications
US7506497B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 2005 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF03H1/0031
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electric propulsion device is disclosed having an anode and a cathode. The propulsion device includes a discharge annulus having the anode adjacent an end region thereof. At least one inlet aperture is adjacent the anode, the aperture(s) having propellant gas flow therethrough into the discharge annulus. The propellant gas has an ionization potential. Opposed, dielectric walls define the annulus, with at least one of the opposed dielectric walls having pores therein, the pores having cooling gas flow therethrough into the discharge annulus and substantially adjacent the opposed dielectric wall(s). The cooling gas has an ionization potential higher than the ionization energy of the propellant gas. The cooling gas is adapted to substantially prevent at least one of secondary electron emission and sputtering of the dielectric walls.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.