LEO life testing with different charge control

Abstract

The effect of charge control on the performance of Nickel-Cadmium batteries is very important. The results of three tests performed in the Battery Test Centre of ESTEC are described. Two techniques were employed: (1) the tapering method well known for space applications, and (2) the temperature derivative technique (TDT) developed by ESTEC. In addition, a comparative study has been made between the behavior of a group of 3 batteries charged and discharged in parallel compared to an identical group discharged in parallel, but charged individually. An approach of evolution laws for the main electrical characteristics of cells is presented.