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I suspect some sort of switched mode power supply (SMPS) is used.Mark44 said:I wonder how they powered the thing. At the front is a thin wire at + 20,000V and at the rear is a plate at -20,000V. This isn't feasible for batteries I don't believe, so maybe big capacitors?
An ion drive works by using electricity to ionize a gas, such as xenon, and then accelerating those ions out of the back of the engine. This creates a thrust that propels the airplane forward.
One of the main advantages of an ion drive is its high efficiency. It requires much less fuel than traditional jet engines, making it more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. It also has a much higher top speed and can operate at higher altitudes.
An ion drive requires a significant amount of electricity to function. In fact, the power needed for an ion drive is many times greater than what is needed for a traditional jet engine. This is because ion drives use electricity to accelerate ions, while jet engines use combustion to create thrust.
An ion drive has a lower impact on the environment compared to traditional jet engines. It produces much less pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a more sustainable option for air travel.
While ion drives have been successfully tested in small, experimental aircraft, they are not currently used in commercial airplanes. However, there is ongoing research and development in this area, and it is possible that we may see ion drives being used in the future as technology advances.