Oscillation-free Operation of Hall Thruster by the Synchronous Control of Power Conditioners

Abstract

We performed observations of the low-frequency oscillation of a Hall thruster by widely varying the external control parameters, and successfully clarified the range of parameter conditions required for oscillation-free stable operation. Furthermore, to control the parameters inside the stable operation region even during transient operations, we developed a method of synchronous control of the anode power conditioner and magnetic coil power conditioners. Upon applying this method of control to the newly developed power processing unit, Low-frequency oscillation-free operation was realized even for transient operations such as turning on the thrusters, changing the thrust condition, and turning off the thrusters. Also, the electromagnetic interference noise in the primary bus electrode was demonstrated to be sufficiently small.