Plasma Fuelled Engines

  Ancient expert Prediction in 1879 about the plasma fuel           

Sustained hypersonic propulsion is a complex problem due to the high temperatures and velocities associated with these flows. In high-hypersonic flow regimes, combustion is limited by low residence times of the flow and the limited energy density of chemical fuel. The limits of combustion motivate using magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) body forces on an ionized gas for the conversion of power to thrust. In 1879, Sir William Crookes described plasma fuel before scientists would harness this state of matter in future technology development. Determining factors regarding plasma engines led Sir William Crookes to make his prediction about plasma in 1879. A century later, plasma engine technology allows humans to push the boundaries of space exploration and automotive technology. According to Crookes, the future of space exploration conformed to his plasma predictions. British physicist Sir William Crookes unearthed plasma during his scientific experiments. Plasma represents the fourth matter state which exists without a solid, liquid or gaseous composition. The solution contains free electrons and positive ions, which produce distinct characteristics in the mixture. Crookes’s discovery opened new opportunities for future technological advancements. Plasma, including stars, neon signs, and lightning events, appears throughout the universe. At the time, Earth-based applications of plasma technology remained difficult to identify. Crookes showed exceptional awareness of plasma’s future application scope. However, the complete scientific exploitation of plasma remained out of reach for over one hundred years. There have been multiple attempts at using MHD augmentation to control hypersonic flows, mostly in wind tunnel applications with various means of ionizing the working gas. An efficient way to ionize the gas for MHD acceleration is through electron beam ionization where high-energy electrons are injected directly into the flow. 

During the 20th century, scientists started researching the potential theoretical uses of plasma. The experts saw nuclear fusion and advanced propulsion systems as possible applications for this high-energy process because of plasma. Experimental research ultimately confirmed the versatility and efficiency characteristics that Crookes had predicted for plasma during his early observations. During later parts of the twentieth century, plasma technology development advanced as researchers made meaningful breakthroughs in plasma physics and engineering. Experiments led scientists to conceive possible applications, which included aerospace plasma propulsion technology and plasma ignition inventories for automobile engines. Plasma Fuelled Engines (PFE) offer a means of MHD acceleration for hypersonic vehicles flying at high altitudes using electron beam ionization to achieve adequate conductivity for significant MHD interaction. In PFE, the electromagnetic fields can be configured to maximize efficiency depending on the flight conditions. For lower altitudes and higher pressures, a crossed-field accelerator can be used with the electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to each other and the bulk velocity. As the vehicle climbs altitude, the electric field can tilt to match the Hall configuration seen in many popular space propulsion thruster's. The innovative engines can potentially accelerate Mars journeys to only 30 days.

With these newly developed engines, the travel to Mars will shorten from its current several-month duration to an operation time of approximately 30 days. Space travel technology has achieved its greatest advancement to date. However, the US faces budgetary difficulties and technical hurdles which slowed its progress in keeping up with plasma engine development. Plasma engines have revolutionized space exploration. They operate differently from chemical rockets because they activate electric fields to push ions, thus generating more efficient thrust. The new technology provides extended space travel capabilities with reduced fuel necessity, which makes it suitable for distant interplanetary journeys. The development of plasma engines excels in Chinese labs and Russian facilities due to heavy investments from these nations in research and technical development work. NASA’s budgetary difficulties and bureaucratic obstacles resulted in slowly advancing technology, while China and Russia established their position of technological superiority. The transformation in technological supremacy creates major strategic effects across the world. The possession of advanced propulsion technologies determines who will lead in space exploration. US needs to catch up with its competitors quickly. Developing efficient plasma engines represents more than technological excellence since it enables countries to obtain better positions in space exploration.

Solutions from the one-dimensional model show that significant acceleration is possible for a wide range of Mach numbers and altitudes. However, for large inlet Mach numbers, acceleration is preceded by an increase in temperature due to Joule heating. The velocity, temperature and Mach number versus velocity profiles for Mach 14 flow slowed to Mach 5.4 at the inlet of the MHD accelerator portion of the PFE. To achieve acceleration for this inlet velocity and Mach number combination, the electric field in the channel must be between 3.86 kV/m and 9.64 kV/m. Therefore, an important task in designing PFE is tailoring the electric and magnetic field strengths to optimize acceleration down the length of the channel while keeping temperatures low. Plasma ignition systems transform the automotive industry by making internal combustion engines more efficient and environmentally friendly. Standard spark plugs encounter difficulty igniting diluted fuel-air combinations, generating unfinished combustion reactions, and elevated emission outputs. Plasma ignition systems produce powerful energy which allows them to ignite mixtures containing less fuel.   Plasma ignition testing occurs at Toyota and Ford while they operate within the automotive industry. This innovation can improve fuel economy by up to 20%. The shift of electric vehicles into the market does not stop the automotive industry from keeping its commitment to running vehicles with internal combustion engines.

Plasma ignition technology remains an additional solution that helps the automotive industry achieve sustainability targets as electric vehicles attract more users. Plasma ignition systems minimize pollution from existing vehicle stocks. Adopting plasma technology maintains clean engine performance by filling the void until electric vehicles fully replace conventional vehicles. The implementation of plasma ignition systems produces major positive outcomes for the environment. The improved combustion performance of these systems leads to reduced fuel usage and lowers fuel pollution and emission levels. Plasma ignition systems present an effective solution to minimize carbon emissions which the automotive sector produces. Plasma ignition systems improve current vehicle performance while simultaneously lowering their pollution numbers for the future world.