Satellite Battery Aging Estimation Using Mission Voltage Difference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate estimation of satellite battery aging is crucial for extending the lifespan of satellites, but existing methods face challenges in accurately determining the aging state of batteries in orbit due to differences between manufacturing and operational environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involve receiving and analyzing battery voltage and current data during precise sensing periods, using reference voltage differences to estimate aging by comparing voltage changes before and after satellite mission execution, and accounting for the satellite's location in daylight or eclipse periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If battery aging estimation is performed using ground-based manufacturing and testing environments, then manufacturing and testing can be completed, but the estimation accuracy deteriorates due to environmental differences from actual satellite operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an equivalent circuit model as an intermediary between ground-based testing and actual satellite operation. The model includes parameters (R1, R2, C1, C2) that are calibrated using ground test data but then used to estimate aging under orbital conditions, bridging the environmental gap through mathematical modeling rather than direct physical testing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from direct physical measurement to parameter-based estimation. By monitoring voltage and current parameters and using them to calculate equivalent circuit model parameters, the system adapts ground-based measurements to predict orbital performance, transforming the measurement paradigm to overcome environmental differences
2Reliability
If battery voltage and current are monitored continuously during satellite operation, then real-time aging estimation is achieved, but the complexity of the monitoring system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by using the satellite's existing power management system to provide both the monitoring function and the calibration function. The same voltage and current sensors used for normal operation are repurposed for aging estimation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated monitoring hardware and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system performs multiple functions: it monitors voltage and current for normal power management, calibrates the equivalent circuit model parameters, and estimates battery aging. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and minimizes added complexity while achieving real-time aging estimation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating an aging amount of a battery mounted on a satellite includes receiving battery voltage and current data generated by detecting a voltage and current of the battery in a preset first sensing period during a precise sensing period, determining a mission start time point based on the battery current data, obtaining a first battery voltage value of a first time point based on the battery voltage data and the mission start time point, obtaining a second battery voltage value of a second time point when a preset reference time elapses from the first time point based on the battery voltage data, and estimating the aging amount of the battery based on a sensing voltage difference between the first battery voltage value and the second battery voltage value, a first reference voltage difference, and a second reference voltage difference.