2023年1月
Dry ice propellant for electric propulsion with triple-point storage
Acta Astronautica
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- 巻
- 202
- 号
- 開始ページ
- 283
- 終了ページ
- 291
- 記述言語
- 掲載種別
- 研究論文(学術雑誌)
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.actaastro.2022.10.034
Dry ice has been proposed as a propellant for electric propulsion, as its use may facilitate the realization of a low-cost propulsion system compared to that based on a xenon propellant. In addition, dry ice can be obtained from space (e.g., from the atmosphere of Mars) and human exhalation. This study thus conducted experiments with dry ice storage and carbon dioxide gas supply using triple-point storage. With this method, a constant tank pressure and flow rate was achieved without the application of regulators or control valves. However, the triple-point state was unexpectedly halted, even though solid dry ice remained in the tank. An internal visual observation revealed that the solid phase was surrounded by the liquid phase, which prevented the solid phase from melting. Therefore, heat conduction fins were installed in the tank to enhance the melting process, which successfully extended the triple-point duration. The supply system was applied successfully to the operation of a 1 kW Hall thruster. Furthermore, a mathematical model for estimating the phase characteristics in the tank was developed, with an in-orbit operation analyzed based on the experimental results. The heat input to the tank and the mass flow rate or enthalpy to the thruster determined the phase characteristics in the tank, which means that implementing a thermal design that considers the flow rate to the thruster is crucial. The simulation demonstrated that dry ice can be consumed by controlling the three phases in the tank using an electrical heater. A gas phase separator concept consisting of the heat conduction fins and capillary screen mesh was proposed for orbital microgravity operation.
- リンク情報
- ID情報
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- DOI : 10.1016/j.actaastro.2022.10.034
- ISSN : 0094-5765
- SCOPUS ID : 85140974145