How do you design a battery for use in space applications?

1 Battery type

The first step in designing a battery for use in space is to choose the appropriate battery type, based on the power requirements, mission duration, and environmental conditions of the application. The most common battery types used in space are nickel-hydrogen (Ni-H2), lithium-ion (Li-ion), and lithium-sulfur (Li-S). Ni-H2 batteries are durable, reliable, and tolerant to overcharge and deep discharge, but they are also bulky, heavy, and expensive. Li-ion batteries are lightweight, compact, and efficient, but they are also sensitive to temperature and prone to degradation and thermal runaway. Li-S batteries are promising for high-energy-density and long-life applications, but they are still under development and face challenges such as self-discharge and polysulfide shuttle.

2 Battery design

The second step in designing a battery for use in space is to design the battery components, such as the electrodes, electrolyte, separator, and casing. The battery design should optimize the performance, safety, and longevity of the battery, while minimizing the weight and volume. The battery design should also consider the effects of radiation, temperature, pressure, and vibration on the battery materials and properties. For example, radiation can cause degradation and corrosion of the electrodes and electrolyte, temperature can affect the kinetics and capacity of the battery, pressure can cause expansion and contraction of the battery, and vibration can cause mechanical stress and damage to the battery.

4 Battery integration

The fourth step in designing a battery for use in space is to integrate the battery with the rest of the system or device that will use it. The battery integration should ensure that the battery is compatible with the power management and distribution system, the thermal management system, the mechanical structure, and the communication and control system of the application. The battery integration should also consider the placement, orientation, and connection of the battery, as well as the protection and isolation of the battery from other components. For example, the battery may need to be mounted on a tray, enclosed in a box, or wrapped in a blanket, depending on the application.

5 Battery operation

The fifth step in designing a battery for use in space is to operate the battery during the mission or application. The battery operation should monitor and control the battery parameters, such as the voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge, as well as the battery health, such as the capacity, resistance, and degradation. The battery operation should also implement strategies to optimize the battery performance and extend the battery life, such as charge balancing, temperature regulation, and fault detection and correction. For example, the battery may need to be charged or discharged according to a specific profile, heated or cooled by a thermal system, or isolated or bypassed by a switch, depending on the situation.

6 Battery disposal

The sixth step in designing a battery for use in space is to dispose of the battery after the end of the mission or application. The battery disposal should follow the ethical and environmental principles of space exploration and avoid creating space debris or pollution. The battery disposal should also consider the safety and feasibility of the disposal method, such as re-entry, orbital decay, or burial. For example, the battery may need to be detached from the system or device, deorbited or transferred to a graveyard orbit, or landed or crashed on a celestial body, depending on the option.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?