Life Modeling for Nickel-Hydrogen Batteries in Geosynchronous Satellite Operation
Abstract
A model for predicting nickel-hydrogen battery lifetime in LEO applications has been extended to the conditions encountered in GEO orbiting satellites. The model has been found to accurately reproduce the lifetimes observed from available accelerated GEO tests, and is also consistent with the existing orbital performance data. The model has been used to predict how properly designed and operated nickel-hydrogen battery lifetimes should depend on the operating environments and charge control methods typically used in GEO operation. Lifetime is found to be strongly dependent on DOD (particularly at high operating DOD levels), amount of overcharge, trickle-charge rate, and operating temperature. In addition, the model finds a strong coupling between these wear-controlling parameters. The model suggests that with an optimized charge control system and optimized operating conditions, properly designed nickel-hydrogen batteries are capable of reliably providing over 30 years of GEO operation at a DOD of 70-75%. The results also indicate that careful optimization of charge control, operating temperature, and the maximum required DOD are needed to guarantee reliable operation beyond 10 years.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 25, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA432256
Entities
People
- Albert H. Zimmerman
- V. J. Ang
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation