Life test of a nickel cadmium battery with a protection/reconditioning circuit

Abstract

Results are discussed for a Ni-Cd battery test over a period of 8 years, 2 months and 44,213 simulated low Earth orbits. The battery cells were protected against overdischarge and reversal at discharge rates up to 25 amperes (1.25C) by a battery protection and reconditioning circuit. The circuit performed flawlessly during the test, and proved its value, both as a battery reconditioner and a cell protection device. Battery cell failures are also discussed. The test demonstrated the viability of using Ni-Cd batteries at depth-of-discharge up to 25 percent for over 5 years in a low Earth orbit