METHOD FOR POWER SUPPLY OF ELECTROROCKET PLASMA ENGINES Russian patent published in 1994 - IPC

FIELD: engines. SUBSTANCE: when plasma is in an irregular mode of high-conductivity a step current of engine burning is formed. The first current step is generated by adding the current of a voltage converter shifted into a mode of a current limiter, and a discharge current of capacitive power accumulator which is preliminary charged by the same converter with the charge current limitation. If the increase of plasma conductivity after the capacitive accumulator is discharged continues, then the current limiter mode of the voltage converter is also maintained and this corresponds to the second current stage. The value and durability of the current action is set as a function of plasma conductivity. When the normal conductivity of the plasma is restored the voltage converter is shifted to the voltage source mode and a nominal current is set which corresponds to the third stage. The method provides nonstop working mode of the plant, reduces the number of on-off cycles and the working medium consumption, and excludes voltage converter overload. EFFECT: improved reliability and service life.