Mechanism of capture section affecting an intake for atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion

Atmosphere-Breathing Electric Propulsion(ABEP)can compensate for lost momentum of spacecraft operating in Very Low Earth Orbit(VLEO)which has been widely concerned due to its excellent commercial potential.It is a key technology to improve the capture efficiency of intakes,which collect and compress the atmosphere for ABEP.In this paper,the mechanism of the capture section affecting capture efficiency is investigated by Test Particle Monte Carlo(TPMC)simulations with 3D intake models.The inner surface smoothness and average collision number are determined to be key factors affecting capture efficiency,and a negative effect growth model is accordingly established.When the inner surface smoothness is less than 0.2,the highest capture efficiency and its corresponding average collision number interval are independent of the capture section’s geometry and its mesh size.When the inner surface smoothness is higher than 0.2,the capture efficiency will decrease by installing any capture section.Based on the present results,the manufacturing process and material selection are suggested to be prioritized during the intake geometry design in engineering projects.Then,the highest capture efficiency can be achieved by adjusting the length and mesh size of the capture section.

Optical detection method of discharge mode transition of inductively coupled plasma in an atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion system

Plasma discharge stability is an important problem in atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion system when maintaining long-term missions at ultra-low earth orbit.This paper designed an inductively coupled plasma source to imitate the ionization section.The effect of inflow rate and Radio Frequency(RF)power on the plasma discharge mode transition is experimentally studied.A discharge mode detection method is proposed,which determines the discharge mode by identifying the morphology of the plasma core.By using the method,the discharge mode transition is quantified and a control model based on the parameter sensitivity is constructed.To verify the method,the spectra are measured and the electron temperature spatial distribution is calculated.And the method has been proven effective.The results show that the inductively coupled discharge contains capacitive components affected by the mass flow rate and the radio frequency power.The plasma characteristics can be maintained stably by controlling the radio frequency power when the mass flow rate randomly changes in a certain range.It is demonstrated that the application of detection method effectively identifies the discharge mode,which is a promising active control method for the plasma discharge mode.

Research on Propeller Dynamic Load Simulation System of Electric Propulsion Ship

A dynamic marine propeller simulation system was developed, which is utilized for meeting the experimental requirement of theory research and engineering design of marine electric propulsion system. By applying an actual ship parameter and its accurate propeller J＇ -KT＇ and J＇ - Kp＇ curve data, functional experiments based on the simulation system were carried out. The experiment results showed that the system can correctly emulate the propeller characteristics, produce the dynamic and steady performances of the propeller under different navigation modes, and present actual load torque for electric propulsion motor.

Earth-moon Trajectory Optimization Using Solar Electric Propulsion

The optimization of the Earth-moon trajectory using solar electric propulsion is presented. A feasible method is proposed to optimize the transfer trajectory starting from a low Earth circular orbit （500 km altitude） to a low lunar circular orbit （200 km altitude）. Due to the use of low-thrust solar electric propulsion, the entire transfer trajectory consists of hundreds or even thousands of orbital revolutions around the Earth and the moon. The Earth-orbit ascending （from low Earth orbit to high Earth orbit） and lunar descending （from high lunar orbit to low lunar orbit） trajectories in the presence of J2 perturbations and shadowing effect are computed by an analytic orbital averaging technique. A direct/indirect method is used to optimize the control steering for the trans-lunar trajectory segment, a segment from a high Earth orbit to a high lunar orbit, with a fixed thrust-coast-thrust engine sequence. For the trans-lunar trajectory segment, the equations of motion are expressed in the inertial coordinates about the Earth and the moon using a set of nonsingular equinoctial elements inclusive of the gravitational forces of the sun, the Earth, and the moon. By way of the analytic orbital averaging technique and the direct/indirect method, the Earth-moon transfer problem is converted to a parameter optimization problem, and the entire transfer trajectory is formulated and optimized in the form of a single nonlinear optimization problem with a small number of variables and constraints. Finally, an example of an Earth-moon transfer trajectory using solar electric propulsion is demonstrated.

Feasibility of a New Ironless-stator Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Machine for Aircraft Electric Propulsion Application

With the development of aviation electrification,higher demands for electrical machines are put forward in aircraft electric propulsion systems.The aircraft electric propulsion requirements and propulsion motor features are analyzed in this paper.Comparing with conventional PM machines,ironless stator axial flux permanent magnet(AFPM)machine topologies with Litz wire windings allow designs with higher compactness,lightness and efficiency,which are suitable for high-frequency and high-power density applications.Based on the motor requirements and constraints of aircraft electric propulsion systems,this paper investigates a high-power 1 MW multi-stack ironless stator AFPM machine,which is composed of four 250kW modular motors by stacking in axial.The design guidelines and special attentions are presented,in term of electromagnetic,thermal,and mechanical performance for the high-frequency coils and Halbach-array PM rotor.Finally,an ironless stator AFPM motor is manufactured,tested and evaluated with the consideration of cost and processing cycle.The results show that the output power is up to 53.8kW with 95%efficiency at 9000r/min at this stage.The proposed ironless stator AFPM machine with oil immersed forced cooling proves to be a favorable candidate for application in electric aircraft as propulsion motors.

Kinetic Analysis of Vectored Electric Propulsion System for Stratosphere Airship

To enhance the controllability of stratosphere airship,a vectored electric propulsion system is used.By using the Lagrangian method,a kinetic model of the vectored electric propulsion system is established and validated through ground tests.The fake gyroscopic torque is first proposed,which the vector mechanism should overcome besides the inertial torque and the gravitational torque.The fake gyroscopic torque is caused by the difference between inertial moments about two principal inertial axes of the propeller in the rotating plane,appears only when the propeller is rotating and is proportional with the rotation speed.It is a sinusoidal pulse,with a frequency that is twice of the rotation speed.Considering the fake gyroscope torque pulse and aerodynamic efficiency,three blade propeller is recommended for the vectored propulsion system used for stratosphere airship.

Study on High Power Hall Electric Propulsion Technology

High power Hall electric propulsion technology is a very competitive electric propulsion technology for future large space missions such as large GEO satellites,manned space programs,deep space explorations,cargo ships,space tugs.Based on the experience of more than 20 years in research and development of Hall electric propulsion,the Shanghai Institute of Space Propulsion(SISP)has developed 3 high power Hall thrusters,i.e.,the 10 k W class HET-500,20 k W class HET-1000,and 50 k W class HET-3000.This paper presents the development status of the high power(≥10 k W)Hall electric propulsion at SISP,including tests of 3 high power Hall thrusters in the power range from 10 k W to 50 k W,the qualification of a single string of a 10 k W Hall electric propulsion system,and the study of a cluster of two 1.35 k W HET-80 Hall thrusters to understand the technical issues related to multi-thruster high power electric propulsion systems.

Electric Thrusters Redundancy Configuration Strategy Study for All Electric Propulsion Platform Station-Keeping

Electric propulsion is used for all electric propulsion satellites to perform the orbit transfer,attitude control and station-keeping tasks. Generally electric propulsion subsystem contains 4 thrusters. But if one thruster fails in the beginning of satellite lifetime,other thrusters will undertake all the firing tasks. The firing time will be 2 to 3 times of thrusters without failure. Thus it may go beyond the allow ed lifetime of thruster. This paper puts forward two thruster redundancy configuration solutions with 6 thrusters to solve this problem. Two layout configurations and their corresponding station-keeping strategies are simulated and compared. The results show that the maximum firing time of both layout configurations can meet the lifetime limitation. This solution is a good reference for all electric propulsion satellites design.

Design of multi-module experiment-rig of vessel electrical propulsion prime mover

Combined power plant is widely used in large or medium surface vessel for its predominant performance. It is important to research on using combined power plant as electrical propulsion prime mover for developing the electric propulsion warship.This paper, designs a multi-module experiment-rig and introduces its composition, working principle and disposition scheme,and carried out the dynamic characteristic experiment of the GTD350 gas turbine.

For Propulsion Applications It Is Possible to Utilize Both the Torque Output of the Rotor and the Reactional Torque Acting on the Stator of the Driving Electric Motor by Linearizing the Stator

This paper presents a novel idea of utilizing the reactional torque of the conventional electric motor as a linear output for propulsion in addition to the conventional torque output of the rotor. The idea is demonstrated by a theoretical proposal of linearizing the stator of one of the most used motors in Electrical Vehicles and Hybrid Vehicles. The proposed Linear Stator Motor is a simple modification without involving any functional change of the conventional motor. Though theoretical, the indicated possible input energy saving of more than 75% as compared to the conventional motor is no surprise, as by linearizing the stator, an almost equal linear propulsion output is added to the conventional rotor output. In addition to this remarkable saving in input energy, the proposed Linear Stator Motor that suits all types of vehicles, can maintain propulsion without the need for a mechanical transmission system. Also, in the case of watercraft and aircraft vehicles, no external mechanical propulsion drive system is required. It is just an internal force that can push the vehicle forward, backward, or laterally, while the conventional rotor output can be utilized for energy recovery by driving a DC generator.

Preliminary study of the electrospray DPE peculiarities from the liquid surface in the presence of the CSWs

The Ultrasonic Electric Propulsion(UEP)system is a cutting-edge propulsion technology that is mostly used on platforms for small satellites(less than 10 kg).The characteristics of droplet partial emissions(DPEs)in the UEP system are investigated using a high-speed imaging technique(an ultra-high speed camera(NAC HX-6)and a long-distance microscope)in this work.The experiments demonstrate that there are a few partial emission modes,including left-side emission,double-side emission,and right-side emission,that are present in the droplet emission process of the UEP system.These modes are primarily caused by the partial formation of capillary standing waves(CSWs)on the emission surface of the ultrasonic nozzle.The emission rate for single-and double-sided emissions varies at different times,indicating that there are different CSWs engaged in droplet emission due to variations in the liquid film thickness and charge state of the liquid cones.Additionally,as the droplets emit continuously,a raised area on the emission surface appears,with several droplets emitting there as a result of charge accumulation.Additionally,photos of the CSWs with emitting droplets are obtained,which highlights the CSWs'distinctive wave morphology.

Simulation Analysis of DC Fault Interruption Characteristics of Superconducting Electric Aircraft Propulsion

Environmental issues associated with the aviation industry are getting more attention as air traffic increases.Stringent standards are imposed for fuel consumption and pollution emissions for next-generation aircraft.Superconducting electrical propulsion aircraft(SEPA)have been seen as an efficient way to achieve this goal.High-temperature superconducting(HTS)devices are extensively used in the power system to supply enormous energy.Power is distributed to the different loads via a DC distribution network.However,it will generate an inrush current over ten times higher than the rated current in short-circuit state,which is very harmful to the system.Therefore,it is essential to adopt an appropriate protection scheme.This paper discusses one protection scheme that combines DC vacuum circuit breakers(DC VCB)and resistive superconducting current limiters(RSFCL)for superconducting aircraft applications.Considering problems of cost and loss,the auxiliary capacitor is pre-charged by system voltage,and mechanical elements extinguish the arc.Furthermore,combined with RSFCL,the interrupting environment is fully improved.RSFCL limits fault current,and then the VCB breaks this limited current based on creating an artificial current zero(ACZ).The prospective rated power is 8MW,rated voltage and current are 4 kV and 1 kA,respectively.In this paper,we discuss and simulate switching devices that protect SEPA.The interrupting performance of the circuit breaker is analysed in the DC short-circuit fault that occurs on the transmission line.Finally,the residual energy consumption of different situations is calculated.A comparison is made between using RSFCL with metal oxide varistor(MOV)and just using MOV.The scheme with RSFCL shows a significant advantage in energy consumption.

An atmosphere-breathing propulsion system using inductively coupled plasma source

CubeSats have attracted more research interest recently due to their lower cost and shorter production time.A promising technology for CubeSat application is atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion,which can capture the atmospheric particles as propulsion propellant to maintain longterm mission at very low Earth orbit.This paper designs an atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion system for a 3 U CubeSat,which consists of an intake device and an electric thruster based on the inductively coupled plasma.The capture performance of intake device is optimized considering both particles capture efficiency and compression ratio.The plasma source is also analyzed by experiment and simulation.Then,the thrust performance is also estimated when taking into account the intake performance.The results show that it is feasible to use atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion technology for CubeSats to compensate for aerodynamic drag at lower Earth orbit.

Solar-Electric Boat

The aim of this paper is the design of a Solar-Electric Boat for tourists’ transport along the coast, in the rivers, in the lakes. Our idea is to define the project guidelines for the realization of a zero impact boat. This paper illustrates the practical new technologies (naval architecture small craft design, mechanical and electrical design), rational design and engineering approach, safety and reliability methods used in solar boats. In our project, the boat is powered by lithiumion batteries that can be charged at any time by the photovoltaic generator placed on a flat top structure. The project is designed for brief trip around coast, where the public transport becomes very polluting during summer. Starting from the consideration that this boat is used during sunny weather, it is possible to know the boat’s energy demand and proceed with the design of a suitable electric boat and of the energy storage/management system. It is also proposed an innovative management of charge/discharge of the batteries. With this management, we have optimized the use and prolonged the time of life of the batteries during the navigation and the control of the real autonomy of it.

Experimental research on aero-propulsion coupling characteristics of a distributed electric propulsion aircraft

Distributed Electric Propulsion(DEP)aircraft use multiple electric motors to drive the propulsors,which gives potential benefits to aerodynamic-propulsion interaction.To investigate and quantify the aerodynamic-propulsion interaction effect of the wing section,we built a DEP demonstrator with 24"high-lift"Electric Ducted Fans(EDFs)distributed along the wing’s trailing edge.This paper explores and compares the aero-propulsion coupling characteristics under various upstream speed,throttle,and EDF mounting surface deflection angles using a series of wind tunnel tests.We compare various lift-augmentation power conditions to the clean configuration without propulsion unit under the experiment condition of 15-25 m/s freestream flow and angles of attack from-4°to 16°.The comparison of computational results to the experimental results verifies the effectiveness of the computational fluid dynamic analysis method and the modeling method for the DEP configuration.The results show that the EDFs can produce significant lift increment and drag reduction simultaneously,which is accordant with the potential benefit of Boundary Layer Ingestion(BLI)at low airspeed.

Steady-State Performance Analysis of Brushless DC Propulsion Motor

The brushless DC motor can be used in the marine electric propulsion system for its excellent control characteristics and large thrust. In order to estimate the operating performances of the brushless DC motor for the high-power shipping during the design stage, the steady-state analysis is as important as the dynamic analysis generally. A mathematical model of the brushless DC propulsion motor is established according to the state-space method for the dynamic and steady-state performance analysis. The state-space mathematical model is a set of linear differential equations, so the steady-state currents of the armature windings can be gained directly by the symmetrical boundary conditions and the eigenvalues of the system matrix. The steady-state simulation results are compared with the dynamic ones to validate the correctness of this eigenvector method.

航空电推进电机多层波浪形拓扑及散热设计方法

针对航空电推进电机的散热问题,提出一种基于多层波浪形散热拓扑的航空电推进电机高效散热设计方法。航空电推进电机采用多层波浪形散热拓扑,建立电机等效热网络模型,确定等效热阻、对流换热系数等重要参数,完成电机温度精确计算,并通过CFD仿真验证所建立电机等效热网络模型的准确性和有效性。以此为基础,对比分析传统散热翅和多层波浪形散热拓扑对电机功率密度的影响。基于多层波浪形散热拓扑的等效热网络模型,采用遗传学习粒子群优化(GL-PSO)算法,完成航空电推进电机高效散热优化设计。优化结果表明:相比于原始方案,优化方案的机壳质量减轻15.1%,整个电机的功率密度提升0.06 kW/kg。

基于绿色能源的分布式混合电推进系统性能分析

基于绿色能源的电推进飞行器是是航空运输业实现碳中和的重要技术途径。本文旨在利用理论分析和数值计算的手段,研究基于绿色能源的分布式混合电推进系统的性能,重点关注锂电池和固体氧化物燃料电池(SOFC)在航程和载荷方面的影响。本研究构建了一个包含多种能源形式的混合电推进系统架构,并基于能量流建立了功率传递模型,推导出综合考虑部件特征参数、能量分配参数、飞行气动参数的电推进系统航程方程和载荷方程。研究结果显示,在航程方面,锂电池的能量分配系数和能量密度对飞机航程有显著影响,特别是在能量密度阈值之上,增加锂电池的能量分配系数对提升航程有正收益。此外,SOFC的能量分配系数和效率的增加也提高了飞机航程,特别是在其高值区域。在载荷方面,上述锂电池和SOFC参数对飞机零燃料质量(MZF)和有效载荷具有重要影响,尤其在高能量密度、高效率和高能量分配系数的情况下飞机的载荷性能改善最佳。参数敏感性分析揭示了升阻比、边界层吸入(BLI)风扇效率、锂电池荷电状态(αsoc)和氢燃料剩余状态(αsoh)对航程的显著影响,其中在以往研究中较少出现的αsoc和αsoh的敏感性分析不容忽视,对其进行更为精确和可靠的状态估计有助于优化航程和载荷的性能表现。

我国海洋科考船推进系统及推进器发展现状

基于海洋资源调查、科考作业、资源勘探等国家的战略需求,海洋科考船对于实现我国海洋战略十分重要。文章通过搜集、整理、分析近些年我国主要海洋科考船数据,根据现有海洋科考船类别进行分类,并对其推进系统及推进器在海洋科考船上的应用现状和特点进行分析和总结,研究结果可以为我国未来海洋科考船推进方案的选择提供参考。

基于虚拟电压矢量模型预测转矩的船舶推进电机控制研究

针对船舶电力推进系统中六相永磁同步电机所采用传统直接转矩控制技术(DTC)仅采用最外围电压大矢量,会产生较大谐波电流并导致转矩波动大的问题,提出基于虚拟电压矢量合成的模型预测转矩控制策略(V-MPTC),利用α-β子空间中同向的大矢量和中矢量与z_(1)-z_(2)子空间中反向的小矢量和中矢量恰好对应原理,通过适当地调节一个PWM周期内大矢量和中矢量的占空比,可以使z_(1)-z_(2)子空间中的合成电压矢量幅值为0,实现对电机谐波电流和转矩脉动的抑制。同时为了便于硬件系统实现,进行电压矢量中心化以及采取提前2步的预测方法。仿真结果表明,采用V-MPTC控制策略使系统响应速度有所提高,启动转速超调降低,转矩脉动从0.15 N·m降至0.04 N·m,谐波畸变率从68.92%降至10.85%,验证了该方法在船舶电力推进系统中可提高其控制性能。