Description
A custom Power Node Model for an Ion Thruster. This model passively provides the power available to the thruster based on bus voltage and internal resistance. It allows for realistic simulation of power constraints on ion thruster operations within spacecraft power networks.
Example Use Cases
- Realistic Ion Propulsion Simulation: Model the power constraints of an ion thruster during spacecraft operations, providing accurate representation of available power versus desired power.
- Power Management: Evaluate power requirements for ion propulsion systems and optimize power distribution in spacecraft systems with limited power resources.
Module Implementation
The Ion Thruster Power Model works by calculating the available power that can be supplied to the thruster based on the current state of the power circuit. It accepts the following parameters:
Desired Power Watts: The power requested by the ion thruster [W]Available Power Watts: The actual power that the power system can supply [W]
Internally, the ion thruster power model uses the component’s resistor to determine the available power. The resistance is adjusted according to the Power Law:
Where is the power in Watts, is the voltage of the node in the circuit, and is the resistance in Ohms.
If the bus voltage changes or internal resistance is modified, the Available Power Watts value will be updated accordingly. The thruster will only be able to use power up to the calculated Available Power Watts value, even if Desired Power Watts is higher.
NOTE
When designing spacecraft with ion thrusters, it’s important to ensure that the power system can provide sufficient power for the desired thrust levels. Ion thrusters typically require significant power to operate at full capacity.
Assumptions/Limitations
- The model assumes a direct relationship between power availability and bus voltage according to the Power Law.
- The model does not account for dynamic changes in thruster efficiency at different power levels.