Comparison of Jet engine against electromagnetic thruster
Electric Propulsion (Electromagnetic Thrusters):
Electric propulsion, sofar known as spacecraft electric propulsion, uses electrostatic or electromagnetic fields to accelerate mass to high speeds, generating thrust to modify a spacecraft’s velocity in orbit.
These systems are controlled by power electronics and typically use much less propellant than chemical rockets because they operate at higher exhaust speeds (higher specific impulse).
However, due to limited electric power, the thrust is weaker in known electric propulsors compared to chemical rockets. Electric propulsion can provide thrust for longer durations.
Electric thrusters are widely used on spacecraft for station keeping, orbit raising, and primary propulsion. They are efficient but not suitable for launches from Earth’s surface due to low thrust.
The most advanced electric thrusters may eventually achieve a delta-v of 100 km/s, sufficient for outer Solar System missions with nuclear power but inadequate for interstellar travel1.
Jet Engines (Chemical Rockets):
Jet engines (chemical rockets) work by mixing compressed air with fuel and igniting it. The burning mixture expands rapidly and is expelled from the engine, providing thrust.
Jet engines are powerful but require significant amounts of fuel. They are commonly used for launching payloads from Earth’s surface.
However, their specific impulse (exhaust speed) is lower than electric propulsion systems.
Comparison:
Electric thrusters (electromagnetic) are more efficient in terms of thrust per kilowatt of power. For example, an ionic thruster can produce 110 Newtons of thrust per kilowatt, while a jet engine typically achieves only 2 Newtons per kilowatt 23.
Jet engines are essential for Earth launches due to their higher thrust, but electric propulsion is ideal for long-duration space missions.
In summary, electromagnetic thrusters (electric propulsion) are highly efficient but lack the raw thrust of jet engines. The choice depends on the mission requirements and the specific context of space travel.
However, the electromagnetic thrusters designed and developed by us is applicable to drive vehicles on ground, sea, sky and outer space.