Battery switch array system with application for JPLʹs rechargeable micro-scale batteries

A battery switch array system is developed for solid-state rechargeable micro-scale lithium batteries, designed and developed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), California Institute of Technology, for aerospace applications. The heart of the system is a topology unique in its dynamic reconfiguration ability by providing selective connection and isolation and versatile in its core design by incorporating passive, active or energy storage elements. It allows up to N-batteries to be connected in any desired configuration; providing maximum voltage, maximum capacity and a voltage/capacity ratio. This battery switch array system is part of a power management system that is developed to utilize these features and provide for multiple charging algorithms, real time status information and fault tolerant capabilities. A two microbattery prototype circuit is built using a microprocessor-based controller for verification of the system design and its features. The topology and its features will be explored in this paper to provide methods for modular and scalable energy storage system design.