Work

Emitted current self-balancing for spacecraft charging mitigation in a high-voltage power converter for electrospray thrusters

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Electrospray thrusters offer remarkable efficiency at low power levels and compact form factor, positioning them as promising propulsion systems for small satellite platforms. The ability of electrospray thrusters to emit both positive and negative ion beams has significant implications for charge neutralization. In theory, electrosprays could function without the need for an external cathode. If two separate thrusters are operated simultaneously with one emitting a positive ion beam and the other an identical negative ion beam, the spacecraft would theoretically remain charge-neutral, allowing the thrusters to operate continuously without inducing spacecraft charging. This article explores the self-balancing of emitted currents, and consequently the ion beams, by incorporating a capacitor as a control element. This approach achieves current balancing without altering the operation of the power converter. The thruster’s behavior as an electrical load is simulated using a novel electrical model derived from experimental thruster data. This model, integrated within the converter, demonstrates that the inclusion of a capacitor effectively balances the emitted currents. Experimental validation aligns with the simulation results, confirming current balance with a relative error between polarities of only 1% in the final test cases.

Source: Journal of Electric Propulsion

DOI: 10.1007/s44205-024-00089-8

Authors: Francisco José Blázquez-Plaza, Andrés Barrado, Mick Wijnen

Institution: Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

Language: English

Topic: Electrohydrodynamics and Fluid Dynamics

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,390

Funder: Comunidad de Madrid