Space Station battery system design and developmentThe Space Station Electric Power System will rely on nickel-hydrogen batteries in its photovoltaic power subsystem for energy storage to support eclipse and contingency operations. These 81-Ah batteries will be designed for a 5-year life capability and are configured as orbital replaceable units (ORUs), permitting replacement of worn-out batteries over the anticipated 30-year Station life. This paper describes the baseline design and the development plans for the battery assemblies, the battery ORUs and the battery system. Key elements reviewed are the cells, mechanical and thermal design of the assembly, the ORU approach and interfaces, and the electrical design of the battery system. The anticipated operational approach is discussed, covering expected performance as well as the processor-controlled charge management and discharge load allocation techniques. Development plans cover verification of materials, cells, assemblies and ORUs, as well as system-level test and analyses.
Document ID
19890028007
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Haas, R. J. (Ford Aerospace and Communications Corp. Palo Alto, CA, United States)
Chawathe, A. K. (Ford Aerospace and Communications Corp. Palo Alto, CA, United States)
Van Ommering, G. (Ford Aerospace Corp. Space Systems Div., Palo Alto, CA, United States)