Title :
Performance characteristics of Na-S cells for low earth orbit applications
Author_Institution :
Eagle-Picher Ind. Inc., Joplin, MO, USA
Abstract :
A program to develop and demonstrate rechargeable sodium-sulfur cells for low earth orbit (LEO) space applications is described. The goals are 30000 charge-discharge cycles with a calendar life of 5 yr at operating temperature. The cycling routine consists of a 35 min discharge and a 70 min charge for a total cycle duration of 105 min. The cell is required to deliver a minimum of 50 Wh/pound based on full discharge at the nominal capacity and discharge rate. Cell component designs have been evaluated, yielding improved performance with respect to recharge, resistance, usable capacity during cycling, and cycle life. Optimization has been evolutionary, with component modification being evaluated in cell electrical testing. The resulting performance data and projected performance are presented
Keywords :
secondary cells; sodium; space vehicle power plants; sulphur; testing; 35 min; 70 min; Na-S; capacity; charge; cycling; discharge; low earth orbit; performance; rechargeable; resistance; secondary cells; space power; testing; Calendars; Cathodes; Contracts; Electric resistance; Electric shock; Low earth orbit satellites; Steel; Temperature; Testing; Transportation;
Conference_Titel :
Power Sources Symposium, 1990., Proceedings of the 34th International
Conference_Location :
Cherry Hill, NJ
Print_ISBN :
0-87942-604-7
DOI :
10.1109/IPSS.1990.145784
