Control algorithm for a 6 kW hall thruster

Abstract This paper presents a control algorithm for ensuring the stable operation of 6 kW Hall thruster. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is developing “wide-range” power processing unit (PPU) to thruster system, candidate all-electric satellites. PPU provides discharge oscillation, power, and current control. increments in loop are fixed, so digital controller does not need calculate them, algorithm’s computational complexity minimal. Results integration tests on breadboard model showed that three functions run correctly. total controlled was adjusted range 3.45–3.55 under constant with target 3.5 kW. Oscillations ± 0.05 around acceptable. 70% peaks acquired 100 ms exceeded limit 1.5A. Discharge oscillation varied coil magnetic field reduced them 0%. successfully current, reducing from 13.7 A 13 A. propulsion efficiency increased 59% 60.5%.