Hall thruster for use with a condensable propellant
US9334855B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 10, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 8, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/40
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A Hall thruster for use with a condensable propellant including a plasma accelerator including an anode for providing plasma discharge, a distributor for distributing the condensable propellant in a liquid or vaporized state, and an electric circuit including a cathode for emitting electrons attracted to the anode and for neutralizing ion flux emitted from the plasma accelerator. A condensable propellant feed system includes a storage vessel for storing the condensable propellant and providing liquid condensable propellant at a controlled pressure. A condensable propellant flow controller includes a pressure reducing device for controlling the flow rate of the liquid condensable propellant. A vaporizer at or above the vaporization temperature of the liquid condensable propellant vaporizes the liquid condensable propellant at a predetermined vaporization rate and flow rate. A magnetic circuit structure includes a magnetic field source for establishing a transverse magnetic field in the plasma accelerator that creates an impedance to the flow of the electrons toward the anode to create plasma in the plasma accelerator for accelerating ionized condensable propellant through the plasma…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.