Considerations in Selecting Li-Ion COTS Cells for Nano-satellite Applications

A methodology has been developed to characterize and screen Lithium Ion cells that can be assembled into small and large batteries for long term LEO missions (10+ years). Optimal cells significantly reduce the complexity and cost of nano-satellite batteries and increase their reliability. The developed algorithm is based on over 50 cell characteristics measured before cycling. The methodology has successfully demonstrated the ability to select cells for 10-cell batteries, which to date have exceeded 6 years of LEO simulated cycles.