Lithium Ion Polymer Cell for Small Satellites
- Paper number
IAC-08.B4.6.B6
- Author
Dr. Vicki McLaren, Clyde Space, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Mr. Craig Clark, Clyde Space, United Kingdom
- Year
2008
- Abstract
A lithium ion polymer cell has been selected for further tests for small satellite power systems following an ESA commissioned study3 which reviewed the global state-of-the-art in Li+ polymer technology. The study highlighted the characteristics of the lithium polymer cell which make it ideal for applications in small satellites. The aim of this work, carried out by Clyde Space with the support of ESA ESTEC Battery Storage Division, is to demonstrate the suitability of the lithium ion polymer cell for small satellite applications. The polymer cell has inherent advantages in terms of safety due to the absence of any leakage problems, and electrolyte additives significantly reduce the chance of problems in case of overcharge, and high temperature storage and operation. The pouch cell design offers enhanced specific energy and energy density compared to conventional designs with metallic cell cases, and has a better form factor with improved packing efficiency. The cell has a low magnetic signature and gives a significant weight reduction for an equivalent capacity cell with other chemistries. This paper describes further results of cell characterisation tests, as well as cell balancing and thermal properties, and outlines proposed life testing. Battery designs profit greatly from the cell geometry, and incorporate protection circuitry, monitoring, and heaters. These factors allow for a low cost, affordable solution for small satellite power systems. Reference 3 C. Clark, and E. Simon, "Evaluation of Lithium Polymer Technology for Small Satellite Applications." Proceedings of the 21st Annual AIAA/USU Conference on Small Satellites, Logan, Utah, USA, August 2007
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.B4.6.B6.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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