Ion Engine Mechanics
The Ion Engine is an extremely efficient and powerful engine. Though not as powerful as a hyper drive its efficiency is unmatched. It works on the thrust principle, and since it is commonly used in extra-atmospheric applications, the lack of dense molecular resistance makes it a quite effective means of propulsion. The Ion Engine has three major parts 1) the ionizer, 2) the micro particle accelerator, and 3) directional ion stream vents.
The engine is very efficient and is fueled by solar power and hydrogen gas. Solar power is first collected via solar panels attached on the ship powered by the engine. The energy obtained is then used to power the ionizer. The basic function of the ionizer is to separate the electron from its orbit around the nucleus of a hydrogen atom. The ionizer produces a positively charged electromagnetic field (powered by the solar energy) which draws the electrons from the nucleus since it is not as strongly charged. This leaves the nucleus of the hydrogen atom, which is nothing more than a proton. The proton is strongly repelled by the powerful positively charged electromagnetic field and pushed in the opposite direction of the field. The electrons are then gathered around the field. The protons that were repelled then pass through the micro particle accelerator. This uses the remaining solar energy to heat the protons. This speeds up oscillations as well as the protons velocity through the ducting. The protons then pass through the final stage, the directional ion stream vents.
The vents are not part of the engine itself but are necessary to utilize the energy the engine creates. These vents are usually tapered and manually controlled and quite simply aim the direction of the ion flow to correspond to the direction desired to move. Complex maneuvering is possible due to combinations of thrust from several multi-directional vents. The thrust generated by the exiting ions will be able to propel the utilizing craft to high speeds, however, since it is a sub-light class of engine, speeds greater than the speed of light are unattainable. After the engine has started and accumulated some electrons it begins to cycle. This is one of the most efficient aspects of this engine. When enough electrons have accumulated to a certain density (not enough to for electron degeneracy but to the point where their repulsion is greater than the strength of the magnet), the controlling computer relaxes the charge of the electromagnetic field to release and send electrons firing off in the same direction as the protons. This creates added boost for no extra solar power cost. In fact solar power is saved due to the weakening of the electromagnetic field. When the electrons have been exhausted the charge of the electromagnetic field is made more positive again thus completing the cycle.
The most popular platform for the ion engine has been the Imperial TIE fighter. The TIE stands for Twin Ion Engine. As the name implies these ships use 2 identical ion engines to power a light ship. They are very fast and maneuverable, but are short range due to their power deficit. Modifications are under way to produce TIE fighters that be used in dark sections of space where solar power is not very abundant.
The TIETE or Twin Ion Engine Twin Electro-turbo craft has been in the works in my garage for some time now. The goal is to produce an engine that, with an initial input of energy, will be self sufficient without further energy input. The same basic ion engine setup is used only with the addition of two Garret T-9000 electro-turbochargers. Now after passing through the micro particle accelerator, the ions pass through the electro-turbo. The ions spool the turbo, which in turn charges a temporary buffer or capacitor (not to be confused with the flux capacitor). The energy stored here is now used in lieu of solar power to drive the ionizer and micro particle accelerator in dark sections of space. Now any follower of the development of perpetual motion machines knows that the greatest obstacle to overcome is energy loss through heat generated by friction. In the Garret T-9000 electro-turbo this is accommodated by heat panels, that similar to solar panels, takes heat generated by the electro-turbo in this case and recycles it to be used to power the other parts of the engine. This creates a 100% self-efficient engine after an initial charge is acquired to start the reactions.
