Abstract
Advances in Li-ion technology mean that manufacturers currently produce cells that have higher energy densities, higher rate capabilities, and longer quoted cycle lives than the currently qualified ABSL space cells. It is therefore possible that cells are available that could enable a lower mass/volume solution for a given application. ABSL carry out regular reviews of commercial off the shelf (COTS) cells, to determine whether any available cells are suitable for space applications, and offer superior performance to those currently qualified.This paper describes the process that is followed to review and test commercial cells.
Highlights
ABSL has used the 18650HC(M) for space batteries since 1998; it was employed on the first ever Li-ion space battery for the PROBA-1 mission
The heritage ABSL cell has a nominal capacity of 1.5Ah (133 Wh/kg) and has been extensively characterised
Measured ABSL data show that the HCM cells complete at least 1500 cycles at 100% depth of discharge (DoD) to 80% retained capacity
Summary
ABSL has used the 18650HC(M) for space batteries since 1998; it was employed on the first ever Li-ion space battery for the PROBA-1 mission. The detailed performance and life-time characteristics of these cells are very well understood, advances in Li-ion technology mean that manufacturers currently produce cells that have double the energy density of this heritage cell. Cells are available with the same energy density as the HC(M) but with considerably higher rate capabilities. ABSL have qualified three Li-ion cells for space applications, these are:. The cell has lower capacity than the HC(M) cell, but can deliver significantly higher currents. This cell provides a considerable increase in energy density compared to the HC(M) cell: 189 Wh/kg compared to 133 Wh/kg. COTS cells have been recently assessed to identify those that may provide a performance benefit compared to the currently qualified cells. Due to the long durations for full qualification, and the quantity of life test data required to predict the long term performance, these reviews are carried out regularly
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