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Energy Storage Technologies for Small Satellite Applications | IEEE Journals & Magazine | IEEE Xplore

Energy Storage Technologies for Small Satellite Applications


Abstract:

Rapid advances in small satellite (often referred to as CubeSats) technology are providing opportunities for space exploration to a wide range of users (in particular uni...Show More

Abstract:

Rapid advances in small satellite (often referred to as CubeSats) technology are providing opportunities for space exploration to a wide range of users (in particular universities) at substantially reduced costs. Many of the capabilities provided by larger satellites and spacecraft (>2000 kg) are now available through small satellite technologies. Ongoing improvements in attitude control, propulsion, advanced communications, and scientific instrumentation continue to enhance their benefits, even within such strict volume and mass constraints. With such advances in CubeSat technologies, the power and energy demands have also increased dramatically, necessitating the need for larger deployable solar arrays, lower power electronics, efficient energy storage systems, and even energy transfer/harvesting systems. In terms of energy storage, more advanced battery chemistries with higher energy densities and higher power capabilities over a wider operating temperature range are also a fundamental need. There already exist today numerous commercially available energy storage options suitable for CubeSat applications, although many missions rely on custom designs. Similar to standard satellite design, the selection of an appropriate energy storage system is driven by mission requirements related to power, energy, and lifetime. This paper will provide a general review of performance capabilities of state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery technologies, as well as other advanced energy storage systems for small satellite applications.
Published in: Proceedings of the IEEE ( Volume: 106, Issue: 3, March 2018)
Page(s): 419 - 428
Date of Publication: 06 February 2018

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I. Introduction

Since their initial introduction in the 1950s, satellites have increased in size substantially (>2000 kg), with launch costs increasing in parallel to >$10 million dollars (per launch) as well [1]. Though there exist many classes of smaller satellites (smallsat), it is the CubeSats that are well positioned to dominate future space exploration due to their inherent cost effectiveness; this allows the participation of a substantially larger user base in missions of technology demonstrations, science, and education (especially from universities). Under current standards, CubeSats have a range of mass between 1 and 15 kg and of up to 12U in volume (1U =10 cm 10 cm 10 cm) [2]. This low mass and volume enables CubeSats to “piggyback” on other rocket launches or be deployed from larger orbiters at much lower costs or even free of cost [3]. With the advent of design standards (i.e., Cubesat Kit), CubeSats also have substantial advantages in affordable design options from numerous commercially available parts suppliers (i.e., Pumpkin, GOMSpace, Clyde Space, etc.) in addition to vendors providing other products and services. As a result, what was only a handful of missions back in 2000 has grown exponentially over the years, and is on track for a record number of CubeSat missions as of July 2017 (49 university, 3 military, 4 civil government, and 16 commercial) as shown in Fig. 1.

CubeSat-class mission count. Source: Swartwout CubeSat database at Saint Louis University [4].

References

References is not available for this document.