High Energy and High-Power Lithium Polymer Cells for Space and Satellite Application

Evaluation studies were carried out to assess the suitability of high energy and high-power 75 Ah lithium polymer cells for space and satellite applications. The study includes evaluation of cell nominal capacity, Ah efficiency at different discharge rates, loss of capacity on storage and performance of the cell at different discharge rates. It also explains about the fast chargeability, self-discharge characteristic of the cell and effect of temperature on the performance of the cells. The study has been carried out at different temperatures ranging −30 to 60 °C at different C rates (0.5C to 6C). The cells were charged at constant current of 0.5C until the on-charge voltage reaches 4.2 V, then soaked at different temperatures from −30 to 60 °C for 16 h and discharged at different currents varying 0.5C to 6C. The above experiment was repeated by charging at different currents and discharging at 1C at 23 °C. The self-discharge characteristics were analysed by charging at constant current of 0.5C then stored for the period of 1 day, 7 days, 14 days and 28 days and discharged at 0.5C at 23 °C. The suitability of low temperature operation for satellite and space application was discussed and the results were presented.