Performance Capabilities of Ni-Cd Rechargeable Batteries for Space Applications

1 Performance Capabilities of Ni-Cd Rechargeable Batteries for Space Applications 

The spacecraft or satellite power system is composed of a solar-cell array and a rechargeable battery in conjunction with a voltage regulator and a battery charge 

Space program managers have seriously considered Ni-Hj batteries for communication satellites. These batteries were originally developed for aerospace applications and have been in continuous development since the early 1970s for satellite 

Ni-Hj cells are manufactured in various design configurations. The individual pressure vessel (IPV) cell contains an electrode stack in a cylindrical pressure vessel contained within a common pressure vessel (CPV) cell. Two stacks in a series in a vessel yield 2.5 V. In a single-pressure vessel (SPV) battery, a number of cells (typically more than 20) are connected in a series and are placed in a single vessel. 

This type of cell is widely used for GEO satellites and LEO satellites. These cells are manufactured by Eagle-Pitcher Technology Corp. in the United States. In both cases, primary power is supplied by solar panels. When orbit brings the satellite into the earth s shadow, which represents an eclipse, the battery starts to deliver electrical energy to various electrical components and electronic and electro-optic sensors. The solar panels will subsequently recharge the secondary batteries during the sunlit periods. 

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