Modeling a constant power load for nickel-hydrogen battery testing using SPICEThe effort to design and model a constant power load for the HST (Hubble Space Telescope) nickel-hydrogen battery tests is described. The constant power load was designed for three different simulations on the batteries: life cycling, reconditioning, and capacity testing. A dc-dc boost converter was designed to act as this constant power load. A boost converter design was chosen because of the low test battery voltage (4 to 6 VDC) generated and the relatively high power requirement of 60 to 70 W. The SPICE model was shown to consistently predict variations in the actual circuit as various designs were attempted. It is concluded that the confidence established in the SPICE model of the constant power load ensures its extensive utilization in future efforts to improve performance in the actual load circuit.
Document ID
19910053406
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Bearden, Douglas B. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Lollar, Louis F. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Nelms, R. M. (Auburn University AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1990
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Meeting Information
Meeting: Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference