Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Smart, M..
Lithium ion rechargable batteries are being developed for various aerospace applications under a NASA-DoD interagency program. In this paper, we report the beneficial effect of using alkyl pyrocarbonates as electrolyte additives to improve the low temperature performance of lithium ion cells.
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Prototype aerospace lithium ion cells have shown impressive performance in several categories, such as specific energy, energy density and low-temperature performance.
In contrast to the primary batteries (lithium thionyl chloride) on the Sojourner Mars Rover and the upcoming 2001 Mars Rover, the Mars Sample Return (MSR) Athena Rover will utilize rechargeable lithium ion batteries, following the footsteps of MSP 2001 Lander.
Advanced thermoelectric microdevices integrated into thermal management packages and low power, electrical power source systems are of interest for a variety of space and terrestrial applications.
NASA requires lightweight rechargable batteries for future missions to Mars and the outer planets that are capable of operating over a wide range of temperatures, with high specific energy and energy densities.
Carbonaceous anode materials in lithium ion rechargeable cells experience irreversible capacity, mainly due to a consumption of lithium in the formation of surface passive films. The stability and kinetics of lithium intercalation into the carbon anodes are dictated by these films.
A number of upcoming NASA missions require energy storage devices which display high energy density and can effectively operate at low temperature. Lithium-ion batteries have been identified as the most promising technology which can meet these stringent requirements.
The upcoming NASA's missions aimed at exploring our Planetary system require batteries that can operate at extreme operating temperatures, with high specific energy and energy densities. Conventional aerospace rechargeable battery systems are inadequate to meet the demands.
The desired performance characteristics and physical requirements of spacecraft batteries for planetary exploration are reviewed, particularly with respect to surface landers and rovers intended for near-future Mars missions.
Quarternary lithium-ion battery electrolyte solutions containing ester co-solvents in mixtures of carbonates have been demonstrated to have high conductivity at low temperatures (<-20 degrees Celcius).
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The success of rechargeable lithium ion batteries may be largely attributed to the surface films on the carbon anodes, which provide the anodes with adequate protection against continued reaction with electrolyte while permitting charge transfer.
NASA has continued interest in developing power sources which are capable of operating at low temperatures (-20 degrees C and below) to enable future missions, such as the Mars Rover and Lander.