This proposed system provides a method to generate electrical power for space-based orbiting satellites, probes, stations, habitations, and interplanetary missions. Electricity is generated by collecting the flow of ionized plasma in the solar system for low earth applications and in the solar wind beyond the earth's magnetosphere, then directing the plasma through a channel using the principle of magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD). The channel has conducting electrodes on two sides and a magnetic field directed orthogonally to the plasma flow direction. This results in an electrical current to power spacecraft functions such as batteries, communications, propulsion, guidance, navigation and control. This MHD generator has the potential of providing higher power generation density (e.g., watts/kg) for spacecraft than photo-voltaic panels. The design includes a control system to maintain voltage quality, regulate electromagnet power and control ion inlet scoop RF frequency and voltage in response to changing space ionized plasma conditions.
System and Method for Converting Space-Based Ionized Plasma into Electrical Power for Spacecraft Using Magnetohydrodynamic Generation
2022-05-26
Patent
Electronic Resource
English