EPJ Techniques and Instumentation: Diagnostics for electric propulsion systems

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Published on 28 October 2020

Electric propulsion by various kinds of thrusters (plasma, ion,…) is a rapidly growing technology for engines of satellites and space probes for near-Earth and space exploration. In order to optimize such propulsion systems in different regimes (from a few µN to several N thrust) the availability of suitable and proper diagnostics is of fundamental importance. The diagnostics include, for example, electric, spectroscopic, calorimetric and momentum measurements during the development stage in the lab as well as during operation under space conditions.

This topical issue reviews the design and operating experience of related diagnostics and control systems from a number of different thruster concepts and missions. Topics such as hardware and software choices, links to spacecraft breadboard systems, communication and signal processing and resulting performance are covered as well.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to experimental and diagnostic aspects, measurements, methods, and fields of applications, such as:

• thrust measurements
• plasma probe diagnostics
• electric thruster optimization
• non-conventional methods
• modelling and simulation for diagnostics

The Lead guest editor

Holger Kersten, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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EPJ Techniques and Instrumentation: Instrumentation and Control of Large Helium Cryogenic Systems

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Published on 21 July 2020

Automated control of large Helium Cryogenic Systems is vital to the reliable operation of the large scale scientific devices such as particle accelerators and fusion experiments that require liquid helium temperatures. The proper design and implementation of these control systems is a significant part of the cryogenic system and can represent a major cost, schedule and performance risk. This issue reviews the design and operating experience of the control systems from a number of existing cryogenic systems and also discusses the control approach to a number of cryogenic systems under development. Topics such as hardware and software choices, links to larger control systems, use of community standards and resulting performance are covered.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to theoretical aspects, algorithms, methods, and fields of applications, as:

• Helium Refrigeration Plants
• Automation, Controls Software
• EPICS
• Integration with Large Scientific Facilities
• Particle Accelerators
• Fusion Devices

The Lead guest editor

J. G. Weisend II, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
European Spallation Source

Submission Instructions

For more information please contact the Lead Editor editor: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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