The Hy-StorTM battery

The Hy-Stor^TM Battery is a rechargeable battery being developed for electric vehicles and other large battery applications. The battery combines the high energy storage capability of metal hydride alloys with the high cycle life and discharge rate capabilities of nickel-hydrogen cells. It is a hybrid battery concept that offers potential performance, economic and safety advantages over other large battery technologies. Very recent developments indicate that much smaller batteries can also be produced to meet the needs of the portable computer and other portable electronic device markets. Initial tests demonstrated the ability of a metal hydride storage system to achieve high cycle life when absorbing hydrogen that was saturated with battery electrolyte solution and then passed through a purifier. Based on positive test results, a patent for the Hy-Stor battery was applied for and granted     

Hubble Space Telescope at twelve years of age

The Hubble Space Telescope was deployed from the Space Shuttle Discovery into a 380-mile high Earth orbit on April 25, 1990. It subsequently made outstanding astronomical discoveries with its 8-foot (2.4-meter) telescope and other scientific instruments. Critical to the successful observations was continuous availability of power from its solar arrays during sunlit periods, and from nickel-hydrogen batteries when the satellite was in the Earth's shadow. The adopted nickel-hydrogen batteries were carefully selected and tested to confirm their depth-of-discharge and operating temperature that delivered the longest life in charge/discharge cycling service. These batteries had a design life of 7 years. At 12 years after launch the Hubble batteries have delivered more charge/discharge cycles than any other batteries in low-Earth orbit. However, the Hubble batteries have been subjected to many unexpected stresses, and peculiar reductions in battery capacity have been observed. Battery replacement requires a costly trip to the Hubble Space Telescope by astronauts, so the remaining useful life of the batteries must be predicted. Already in four servicing missions, astronauts have replaced or modified optics, solar arrays, a power control unit, and various science packages. A fifth servicing mission is scheduled in 2004. This paper discusses battery charging hardware and software controls, history of battery events in Hubble, cell performance model and spare battery tests, and capacity walkdown.     

Effect of KOH concentration on LEO cycle life of IPVnickel-hydrogen flight cell-update II

For update I see Energy and Environment: A Continuing Partnership, vol.3, American Nuclear Society (1991). An update of validation test results confirming the breakthrough in the low-Earth-orbit (LEO) cycle life of nickel-hydrogen cells containing 26% KOH electrolyte is presented. The results are part of an investigation of the effect of KOH concentration on life cycle. The cycle life of boiler plate cells was about 40000 LEO cycles compared to 3500 cycles for cells containing 31% KOH. The cycle regime was a stressful accelerated LEO, which consisted of a 27.5 min charge followed by a 17.5 min discharge (2×normal rate). The depth-of-discharge (DOD) was 80%. The cell temperature was maintained at 23°C. Results for six 48-Ah recirculation design IPV nickel-hydrogen flight battery cells currently being evaluated to validate the above findings are reported. Three of the cells contain 26% KOH (test cells), and three contain 31% KOH (control cells). They are undergoing real-time LEO cycle life testing. The 31% KOH cells failed at cycles 3729, 4165, and 11355. One of the 26% KOH cells failed at cycle 15314. The other two 26% KOH cells have been cycled for over 16600 cycles without failure     

Evaluation of nickel-hydrogen battery cells for space-based radar

A study conducted in 1991 on nickel-hydrogen (NiH₂) battery cells, to assess their use for space-based radar satellites, is discussed. Current NiH₂ and related programs were investigated. Cell performance data were assessed, focusing on pulsed-load operation, cell design factors, and life expectancy. A need for pulsed-load testing of candidate cells, especially to characterize their effective series resistance, dynamic impedance, and possible degradations, was identified. A NiH₂ cell test program was planned, and test preparations started in mid-1992     

飞行状态对太阳能飞机中组件性能的影响

基于光伏组件产生功率模型，研究了太阳能飞机中飞行速度、高度、时间及区域等状态参数影响组件性能的规律。以单晶硅组件及Xihe太阳能飞机为研究对象，当飞机飞行速度增加时，组件产生的功率随之增加但趋于饱和。原因在于速度的增加能有效降低组件的表面温度，但提升是有限的。飞机所需的功率随飞行速度呈现指数增加，且组件产生的功率与飞机所需的功率有能量平衡点。组件产生的功率随飞行高度的增加而增加，但有饱和的趋势。原因在于，当飞行高度上升，大气温度随之下降，组件表面温度下降；同时海拔越高，大气密度和大气通透率越大，太阳辐射增加，从而组件产生的功率增加了；饱和的原因在于组件本身性能的限制。一天之中，组件产生的功率基本以太阳时12点为中心左右近似对称，中午最强；一年中组件性能在夏季最强，冬季最弱。原因在于组件性能主要由所受太阳辐射决定。随着纬度的增加，组件产生的功率减小。原因在于，纬度越高，太阳高度角越小，组件所能接受到的太阳辐射也就越小；纬度越低，组件总产生功率越高且平稳。纬度低的地区更适合太阳能飞机的飞行。该文为太阳能飞机的能量分配、长时间驻空提供一定的帮助。     

Integration of Large Power Systems into Manned Space Stations

Essential design factors and system characteristics are explored for integration of large power systems into manned space stations. The impact of the type of power system selected upon the space station is outlined, as is the impact of the mission requirements upon the selection of power systems. Criteria for resolving the selection/application/ integration problems are provided. Comparisons between systems are based on recently defined space-station models for 90-day to five-year mission durations in the 1970' s, with four-to nine-man crews. Power systems encompass power levels from 3 to 50 kWe and include solar cell/battery. fuel cell, hybrid fuel cell/solar cell, radioisotope, and nuclear reactor systems. Thermoelectric, Brayton cycle, organic Rankine, and liquid-metal Rankine power conversion systems are considered for the nuclear energy sources. Both rigid and roll-out photovoltaic array configurations are analyzed with respect to the solar energy source.     

Nickel-hydrogen multicell common pressure vessel batterydevelopment update

Flight qualification of the multicell common pressure vessel (CPV) nickel-hydrogen (Ni-H₂) battery is discussed. The battery has completed full flight qualification, including random vibration at 19.5 g for two minutes in each axis, electrical characterization in a thermal vacuum chamber, and mass-spectroscopy vessel leak detection. A first launch is scheduled in 1992. Several design variations, ranging from 9 Ah to 125 Ah and 12 to 32 V, have been developed and prototypes fabricated. Designs for smaller capacity, smaller diameter (6.4-8.9 cm), and higher voltage (up to 100 V) are in progress. The CPV battery offers cost and weight savings of up to 30% as compared to traditional nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) and individual pressure vessel (IPV) Ni-H₂ batteries. The fully qualified design provided a 50% weight savings over its Nd-Cd predecessor for the same application. Its reduced volume also provides a significant advantage over IPV technology. Resistance data show a further advantage     

Hubble performance on-orbit

A summary of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) nickel-hydrogen (NiH/sub 2/) battery performance from launch to the present. Over the life of HST vehicle configuration, charge system degradation and failures, together with thermal design limitations, have had a significant effect on the capacity of HST batteries. Changes made to the charge system configuration to protect against power system failures and to maintain battery thermal stability resulted in undercharging of the batteries. This undercharging resulted in decreased usable battery capacity as well as battery cell voltage/capacity divergence. This cell divergence was made evident during on-orbit battery capacity measurements by a relatively shallow slope of the discharge curve following the discharge knee. Early efforts to improve battery performance have been successful. On-orbit capacity measurement data indicates increases in the usable battery capacity of all six batteries as well as improvements in the battery cell voltage/capacity divergence. Additional measures have been implemented to improve battery performance, however, failures within the HST Power Control Unit (PCU) have prevented verification of battery status.     

Space power-whats old is new again

The nation is presently seeking smaller and faster space missions that cost less. Furthermore, there is pressure to spin off technologies into the commercial sector as well as spin in technologies to the space program. In this environment, ideas that were dismissed in the past have come to the forefront again. This paper discusses high performance photovoltaic devices, solar dynamic systems, new batteries and power management and distribution schemes. Spin offs of power technologies are impacting aeronautical, terrestrial and naval applications as well. It is believed that interactions with terrestrial commercial industries will lead to deeper understanding of how to reduce space costs as well as increasing quality and reliability     

Validation test of 125 Ah advanced design IPV nickel-hydrogenflight cells

An update of validation test results confirming the advanced design nickel-hydrogen cell is presented. An advanced 125 Ah individual pressure vessel (IPV) nickel-hydrogen cell was designed for storing and delivering energy for long-term, low-earth-orbit (LEO) spacecraft missions. The new features of this design are: the use of 26% rather than 31% potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte; a patented catalyzed wall wick; serrated-edge separators to facilitate gaseous oxygen and hydrogen flow within the cell, while maintaining physical contact with the wall wick for electrolyte management; and a floating rather than a fixed stack to accommodate nickel electrode expansion. The resulting improvements include extended cycle life and enhanced thermal, electrolyte, and oxygen management; and accommodation of nickel electrode expansion. Six 125-Ah flight cells based on this design are in the process of being evaluated in a LEO cycle life test     

Space power by ground-based laser illumination

Reducing energy storage requirements of space power systems by illuminating the photovoltaic arrays with a remotely located laser system is addressed. It is proposed that large lasers be located on cloud-free sites at one or more ground locations and that large lenses or mirrors with adaptive optical correction be used to reduce the beam spread due to diffraction or atmospheric turbulence. During the eclipse periods or lunar night, the lasers illuminate the solar arrays to a level sufficient to provide operating power. Two applications are discussed: illumination of geosynchronous orbit satellites and illumination of a moonbase power system. Issues for photovoltaic receivers for such a system are discussed     

Bipolar nickel-metal hydride batteries for aerospace applications

Electro Energy Inc. (EEI) is developing high power, long life, bipolar nickel-metal hydride batteries for aerospace applications. Bipolar nickel-metal hydride designs allow for high energy and high power designs with a 25 percent reduction in both weight and volume as compared to prismatic and/or cylindrical Ni-MH designs. Utilizing a sealed wafer cell design EEI has demonstrated a 1.2 kW/kg power capability. Prototype designs have achieved 70 Wh/kg. Designs studies show 80 Wh/kg are achievable with EEI's state-of-the-art technology. The sealed wafer cell is the building block for EEI's high power and high voltage bipolar batteries making the assembly easy and significantly lower in cost. Satellite and aircraft batteries are being developed which provide high power and long life. Sealed cells now show excellent rate capability and life. Cells tested in a low earth orbit (LEO) cycle have reached 9000 cycles and continue on test. High power, bipolar battery designs are ideal in applications where using conventional aerospace battery technology would require excessive capacity; weight and volume, thereby reducing usable payload on the vehicle     

太阳能飞机循环飞行的高度剖面能量策略

为满足设定的太阳能飞机多日连续飞行条件，依据飞行过程中当前时刻的飞行高度、光伏输出功率、动力电池组余量等系统状态参数，研究如何分配动力电池组充放电和电推进系统输入等功率。所用策略立足于实时功率平衡，充分利用正午前后的光伏峰值功率用于飞机爬升及充电，在午后下滑过程中利用全部光伏输出，以最大化利用光伏资源；在光伏有效输出不足时则以一定的维持功率下滑，使能量的综合损失最小。方法能够提高以预定夜间飞行高度连续多日续航的成功率，提升飞行高度、纬度、季节范围或搭载能力，或者拓展这几种飞行条件的组合域，优化太阳能飞机的适用性。     

Battery charge controller characteristics in photovoltaic systems

Typical strategies for battery charge regulation and load control in stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) systems are presented. Several charge algorithms (methods of controlling current to the battery) are presented, along with terminology used by the PV industry for battery charge controllers. Information gained from an extensive evaluation of commercially available charge controllers and data collected from tests on PV systems in the field are discussed. An overview of battery performance characteristics needed for the successful design and long-term operation of PV systems is presented with the intent of soliciting feedback on the information presented from the battery industry     

Design and testing of spacecraft power systems using VTB

A study is presented on the design and testing of spacecraft power systems using the virtual test bed (VTB). The interdisciplinary components such as solar array and battery systems were first modeled in native VTB format and validated by experiment data. The shunt regulator and battery charge controller were designed in Simulink according to the system requirements and imported to VTB. Two spacecraft power systems were then designed and tested together with the control systems.     

空间电源系统关键技术分析

介绍了空间电源系统的功能及组成结构。在大功率、高可靠性航天器发展应用背景下,从三个方面分析了空间电源系统设计的关键技术。跟踪国际最前沿的空间电源技术动态,指出空间电源系统的发展方向,并详细分析了功率控制模块电路,对后续电源系统的优化设计工作具有参考意义。     

富锂锰基正极材料研究进展

随着社会发展,电动汽车、消费类(3C)电子产品、储能装置等对锂离子电池的能量密度提出了更高要求。富锂锰基正极材料具有高比容量(≈250 mAh/g)、高工作电压(≈3.6 V)及低成本等优势,有望成为下一代商用高比能电池正极材料。首次库仑效率低、倍率性能差、电压/容量衰减快等问题限制了富锂锰基正极材料的工程化应用。本文综述了富锂锰基正极材料的最新研究进展,重点从材料结构、电化学反应机理、失效机制和改性方法等几方面进行了阐述。研究表明,采用离子掺杂、表面包覆、晶体结构调控等技术,可显著改善富锂锰基正极材料的电化学性能。最后,对富锂锰基正极材料的发展方向进行了展望。     

High Power Needs for Commercial Satellites

This overview paper presents estimates of the photovoltaic power systems needed on commercial communications spacecraft in the year 2000. These are developed in the form of power requirements based on extrapolation of the historical growth in communications traffic and are about 5 to 15 kW. The paper also addresses the key technology drivers in these photovoltaic systems. The importance of reducing mass in the power system is described in terms of the tradeoff with communications systems mass to maximize communications revenue. It surveys solar array components and subsystems to meet these future requirements and attempts to identify the development candidates with a large payoff potential and a high probability of successful development.     

建筑物表面光伏组件最佳铺设方案的研究

对不同情况下建筑物屋顶及外墙表面铺设光伏电池进行研究。采用启发式算法进行电池性能的优劣评价,采用模糊规划,作出铺设电池的初步判断。以光伏电池每平方米利润最大为目标采用贪心算法选择需要铺设的电池,并配合矩形排样中最低轮廓线法对光伏电池的安放进行优化,从而得到利润最大的组合。利用多维线性规划对逆变器进行选择,通过成本—收入—利润模型对选配逆变器之后的最终利润进行进一步优化。     

考虑局部遮挡的太阳能无人机能源控制

针对太阳能无人机在飞行状态下可能出现的太阳能电池局部遮挡情况，开展相应的太阳能电池最大功率点追踪算法和能源控制研究。通过将发光亮度引入相对吸引力计算过程对萤火虫算法进行改进，实现了局部阴影情况下太阳能电池最大功率点的高效追踪。以此为基础，设计了考虑局部遮挡情况下太阳能无人机的太阳能电池/蓄电池混合能源状态机控制规则。以"蒲公英I"无人机为例，建立了太阳能电池阵列模型，开展了考虑局部遮挡情况下太阳能电池最大功率点追踪仿真实验；基于"蒲公英I"飞行剖面，开展了考虑局部遮挡情况的混合能源控制仿真试验。研究结果表明：改进的萤火虫算法可以实现在局部阴影情况下太阳能电池最大功率点的有效跟踪，与萤火虫算法相比收敛时间更短、且功率波动幅度更小；采用改进萤火虫算法和状态机能源管理策略，在考虑局部遮挡的飞行状态下可以实现太阳能电池/蓄电池之间的合理功率分配与控制。