초록 ▼

A method and system for storing and delivering a noble gas for an ion propulsion system where an adsorbent bearing a noble gas is heated within a storage vessel to desorb the noble gas which is then flowed through a pressure reduction device to a thruster assembly. The pressure and flow is controlle

A method and system for storing and delivering a noble gas for an ion propulsion system where an adsorbent bearing a noble gas is heated within a storage vessel to desorb the noble gas which is then flowed through a pressure reduction device to a thruster assembly. The pressure and flow is controlled using a flow restrictor and low wattage heater which heats an adsorbent bed containing the noble gas propellant at low pressures. Flow rates of 5-60 sccm can be controlled to within about 0.5% or less and the required input power is generally less than 50 W. This noble gas storage and delivery system and method can be used for earth orbit satellites, and lunar or planetary space missions.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method for storing and delivering a noble gas propellant in an ion propulsion system, comprising the steps of:(a) storing on an adsorbent in a storage vessel a noble gas propellant comprising at least one noble gas;(b) desorbing the noble gas propellant from the adsor

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method for storing and delivering a noble gas propellant in an ion propulsion system, comprising the steps of:(a) storing on an adsorbent in a storage vessel a noble gas propellant comprising at least one noble gas;(b) desorbing the noble gas propellant from the adsorbent by heating, thereby increasing a pressure within the storage vessel;(c) flowing the noble gas propellant from the storage vessel;(d) reducing the pressure of the noble gas propellant by a porous metal flow restrictor, and heating the porous metal flow restrictor to increase a control of a flow rate of the noble gas propellant; and(e) flowing the noble gas propellent to at least one of (i) a thruster assembly and (ii) a thruster and a neutralizing cathode.