Batteries and Fuel Cells in Space
The year 2000 will mark the 44th anniversary of the space program that started with the launch of the first Sputnik on October 4, 1956.
batteries fuel cells space↗
SEARCH · Engineering Papers
Results for “BATTERY PROGRAM”
Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
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Detection of an internal short circuit in a battery
An electrical device comprises a battery cell; a pressure sensor for measuring swelling forces of the battery cell, optionally with voltage, temperature and current sensors, and a battery management system including a controller. The controller executes a program to: (i) determine a reference swelling force corresponding to a reference electrical signal received from the pressure sensor at an earlier reference time, (ii) determine a second swelling force corresponding to a second electrical signal received from the pressure sensor at a later second time, and (iii) determine whether a risk of internal short circuit of the battery cell exists by comparing a reference level of the reference electrical signal and a signal representative of the second electrical signal. When the signal representative of the second electrical signal exceeds the reference level of the reference electrical signal by a threshold amount, a risk of internal short circuit of the cell exists.
Stefanopoulou, Anna G.↗
Battery Energy Storage System Evaluation Method
This report describes development of an effort to assess Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) performance that the US DOE Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) and others can employ to evaluate performance of deployed BESS or solar photovoltaic (PV) +BESS systems. The proposed method is based on actual battery charge and discharge metered data to be collected from BESS systems provided by federal agencies participating in the FEMP's performance assessment initiatives. Long-term (e.g., at least one year) time series (e.g., hourly) charge and discharge data are analyzed to provide approximate estimates of key performance indicators (KPIs).
25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
Optimal Battery Utilization Over Lifetime for Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle to Maximize Fuel Economy
This paper presents a control strategy to maximize fuel economy of a parallel hybrid electric vehicle over a target life of the battery. Many approaches to maximizing fuel economy of parallel hybrid electric vehicle do not consider the effect of control strategy on the life of the battery. This leads to an oversized and underutilized battery. There is a trade-off between how aggressively to use and 'consume' the battery versus to use the engine and consume fuel. The proposed approach addresses this trade-off by exploiting the differences in the fast dynamics of vehicle power management and slow dynamics of battery aging. The control strategy is separated into two parts, (1) Predictive Battery Management (PBM), and (2) Predictive Power Management (PPM). PBM is the higher level control with slow update rate, e.g. once per month, responsible for generating optimal set points for PPM. The considered set points in this paper are the battery power limits and State Of Charge (SOC). The problem of finding the optimal set points over the target battery life that minimize engine fuel consumption is solved using dynamic programming. PPM is the lower level control with high update rate, e.g. a second, responsible for generating the optimal HEV energy management controls and is implemented using model predictive control approach. The PPM objective is to find the engine and battery power commands to achieve the best fuel economy given the battery power and SOC constraints imposed by PBM. Simulation results with a medium duty commercial hybrid electric vehicle and the proposed two-level hierarchical control strategy show that the HEV fuel economy is maximized while meeting a specified target battery life. On the other hand, the optimal unconstrained control strategy achieves marginally higher fuel economy, but fails to meet the target battery life.
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
Low-Cost All-Temperature Zinc-Pulp Battery for Stationary Storage
WH-Power Final Technical Report — Low-Cost All-Temperature Zinc-Pulp Battery This is the final scientific/technical report for ARPA-E CREATE program award DE-AR0001796, covering work from September 2023 through September 2025. The WHP–UMD–Yale team set out to develop a safe, low-cost, wide-temperature zinc battery for grid-scale stationary storage. What was built: A zinc-pulp (Zn/CNF) battery system pairing an aqueous high-entropy electrolyte (HEE) with a cellulose-derived ion-conducting membrane.
25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
Effects of Electric Vehicle Fast Charging on Battery Life and Vehicle Performance
As part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity, four new 2012 Nissan Leaf battery electric vehicles were instrumented with data loggers and operated over a fixed on-road test cycle. Each vehicle was operated over the test route, and charged twice daily. Two vehicles were charged exclusively by AC level 2 EVSE, while two were exclusively DC fast charged with a 50 kW charger. The vehicles were performance tested on a closed test track when new, and after accumulation of 50,000 miles. The traction battery packs were removed and laboratory tested when the vehicles were new, and at 10,000-mile intervals. Battery tests include constant-current discharge capacity, electric vehicle pulse power characterization test, and low peak power tests. The on-road testing was carried out through 70,000 miles, at which point the final battery tests were performed. The data collected over 70,000 miles of driving, charging, and rest are analyzed, including the resulting thermal conditions and power and cycle demands placed upon the battery. Battery performance metrics including capacity, internal resistance, and power capability obtained from laboratory testing throughout the test program are analyzed. Results are compared within and between the two groups of vehicles. Specifically, the impacts on battery performance, as measured by laboratory testing, are explored as they relate to battery usage and variations in conditions encountered, with a primary focus on effects due to the differences between AC level 2 and DC fast charging. The contrast between battery performance degradation and the effect on vehicle performance is also explored.
Electric Vehicle↗
Data-driven battery product development: Turn battery performance into a competitive advantage.
Poor battery performance is a primary source of user dissatisfaction across a broad range of applications, and is a key bottleneck hindering the growth of mobile technology, wearables, electric vehicles, and grid energy storage. Engineering battery systems is difficult, requiring extensive testing for vendor selection, BMS programming, and application-specific lifetime testing. This work also generates huge quantities of data. This presentation will explain how to leverage this data to help ship quality products faster using fewer resources while ensuring safety and reliability in the field, ultimately turning battery performance into a competitive advantage.
25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
Performance of Nickel-Cadmium Batteries on the POES Series of Weather Satellites
The advanced Television Infrared Observation satellite program is a cooperative effort between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United Kingdom, Canada and France, for providing day and night global environmental and associated data. NASA is responsible for procurement launch, and checkout of these spacecraft before transferring them over to NOAA, who operates the spacecraft to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking, and 'meteorological research by the National Weather Service. These spacecraft with all weather monitoring instruments imposed challenging requirements for the onboard electrical power subsystem (EPS). This paper provides first a brief overview of the overall power subsystem, followed by a description of batteries. A unique power subsystem design which provides 'tender-loving-care' to these batteries is highlighted. This is followed by the on-orbit maintenance and performance data of the batteries since launch.
Rao, Gopalakrishna M.↗
Some major impacts of the national space program. 4 - Impacts of new materials technology
Contributions of NASA sponsored programs dealing with electroforming, Ni-Cd-Zn-Ag batteries, refractory alloys, fuel cells, solar cells, and stress corrosion in titanium alloys
Bayce, A. E.↗
Microprocessor control of photovoltaic systems
The present low power CMOS microprocessor controller for photovoltaic power systems possesses three programs, which are respectively intended for (1) conventional battery-charging systems with state-of-charge estimation and sequential shedding of subarrays and loads, (2) maximum power-controlled battery-charging systems, and (3) variable speed dc motor drives. Attention is presently given to the development of this terrestrial equipment for spacecraft use.
Millner, A. R.↗
Development of nickel-metal hydride cell
National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) has conducted the research and development (R&D) of battery cells for space use. A new R&D program about a Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) cell for space use from this year, based on good results in evaluations of commercial Ni-MH cells in Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC), was started. The results of those commercial Ni-MH cell's evaluations and recent status about the development of Ni-MH cells for space use are described.
Kuwajima, Saburo↗
X-57 Traction Power and Command Systems Development
This paper describes the final, as-built design of the X‑57 Maxwell aircraft power and command system architecture that implements the electrified propulsion capability. The development of the traction power, command, and avionics power subsystems proceeded as planned at the initial project critical design review, but improvements to the design were identified following the development of detailed operations concepts and integrated subsystem and system testing. The redundant architecture with A‑side and B‑side buses provided a robust framework for a developmental system that would turn out to have a lower technology readiness than had been assumed upon project formulation. As the project team identified reliability or performance gaps in the electrified propulsion powertrain components and their interactions with the other vehicle systems, the traction power, command, and avionics architectures were modified to accommodate the modified systems. Following the publication of the planned design approach at the critical design review milestone [1], the project team developed the flight hardware and software, integrated the systems, and adjusted the design and qualification activities to address gaps in the components, system architecture, and requirements as the gaps were realized. In addition to inherent challenges in development of these subsystems, the integration of this new technology with adjacent critical systems in an aircraft configuration posed additional challenges that drove design considerations across the subsystem development and the other vehicle systems. Integration complications included electromagnetic compatibility, thermal performance, and tolerance of single-point failures internal and external to the powerplant. Development of a qualification program was required for the new motors, inverters, and batteries, and hardware performance during component qualification fed back into the development process and led lessons learned and redesign of key elements.
distributed propulsion↗
Polymer Energy Rechargeable System (PERS) Development Program
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) have recently established a collaborative effort to support the development of polymer-based, lithium-based cell chemistries and battery technologies to address the next generation of aerospace applications and mission needs. The overall objective of this development program, which is referred to as PERS, Polymer Energy Rechargeable System, is to establish a world-class technology capability and U.S. leadership in polymer-based battery technology for aerospace applications. Programmatically, the PERS initiative will exploit both interagency collaborations to address common technology and engineering issues and the active participation of academia and private industry. The initial program phases will focus on R&D activities to address the critical technical issues and challenges at the cell level.
Baldwin, Richard S.↗
Air Force nickel-hydrogen test program
After using all the instrumentation that is available on a nickel hydrogen battery it will be subjected to the same low earth orbit cycles experienced by the sixty amphere hour nickel cadmium batteries now being flown on some low earth orbit missions. The objective of the test is to demonstrate real differences between the two batteries. In order to simulate flight conditions, the thermal environment and criteria for charge control will vary. The depth of discharge will be increased and testing will continue until some failures or some degradation or spread between cell performances are revealed. Different charge control modes are being considered in order to demonstrate a reasonable life for the nickel hydrogen battery.
Gandel, M. G.↗
Energy Dense Batteries Based on Highly Conductive Solid Electrolyte and Cathode Materials
Solid Power’s Phase II program builds on promising Phase I results to further develop, scale, and integrate Oakridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) material technologies into prototype cells relevant to electric vehicle applications. These cells will provide excellent energy density, specific energy, safety, and low cost compared to conventional Li-ion. The optimal material system is targeted for integration into >10 Ah pouch cells to demonstrate the ability to reach the United State Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) performance targets and the specific targets of Solid Power’s automotive OEM stakeholders.
25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
Lithium Iron Phosphate Cell Performance Evaluations for Lunar Extravehicular Activities
Lithium-ion battery cells are being evaluated for their ability to provide primary power and energy storage for NASA s future Exploration missions. These missions include the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle, the Ares Crew Launch Vehicle Upper Stage, Extravehicular Activities (EVA, the advanced space suit), the Lunar Surface Ascent Module (LSAM), and the Lunar Precursor and Robotic Program (LPRP), among others. Each of these missions will have different battery requirements. Some missions may require high specific energy and high energy density, while others may require high specific power, wide operating temperature ranges, or a combination of several of these attributes. EVA is one type of mission that presents particular challenges for today s existing power sources. The Portable Life Support System (PLSS) for the advanced Lunar surface suit will be carried on an astronaut s back during eight hour long sorties, requiring a lightweight power source. Lunar sorties are also expected to occur during varying environmental conditions, requiring a power source that can operate over a wide range of temperatures. Concepts for Lunar EVAs include a primary power source for the PLSS that can recharge rapidly. A power source that can charge quickly could enable a lighter weight system that can be recharged while an astronaut is taking a short break. Preliminary results of Al23 Ml 26650 lithium iron phosphate cell performance evaluations for an advanced Lunar surface space suit application are discussed in this paper. These cells exhibit excellent recharge rate capability, however, their specific energy and energy density is lower than typical lithium-ion cell chemistries. The cells were evaluated for their ability to provide primary power in a lightweight battery system while operating at multiple temperatures.
Reid, Concha↗
Economic Analysis and Optimal Sizing for behind-the-meter Battery Storage
This paper proposes methods to estimate the potential benefits and determine the optimal energy and power capacity for behind-the-meter BSS. In the proposed method, a linear programming is first formulated only using typical load profiles, energy/demand charge rates, and a set of battery parameters to determine the maximum saving in electric energy cost. The optimization formulation is then adapted to include battery cost as a function of its power and energy capacity in order to capture the trade-off between benefits and cost, and therefore to determine the most economic battery size. Using the proposed methods, economic analysis and optimal sizing have been performed for a few commercial buildings and utility rate structures that are representative of those found in the various regions of the Continental United States. The key factors that affect the economic benefits and optimal size have been identified. The proposed methods and case study results cannot only help commercial and industrial customers or battery vendors to evaluate and size the storage system for behind-the-meter application, but can also assist utilities and policy makers to design electricity rate or subsidies to promote the development of energy storage.
Wu, Di↗
Bulk force in a battery pack and its application to state of charge estimation
There is disclosed an electrical device including a battery pack, a pressure sensor for measuring a volume change of the battery pack, a voltage sensor in electrical communication with a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the battery pack, a temperature sensor positioned in a cell of the battery pack, and a battery management system. The battery management system includes a controller in electrical communication with the pressure sensor, the voltage sensor, and the temperature sensor, the controller being configured to execute a program stored in the controller to determine a state of charge percentage of the battery pack based on a pressure reading from the pressure sensor, a terminal voltage reading from the voltage sensor, and a temperature reading from the temperature sensor.
Stefanopoulou, Anna G.↗