Powering Small Satellites with Advanced NiH2 Dependent Pressure Vessel (DPV) Batteries

The Dependent Pressure Vessel (DPV) nickel-hydrogen (NiH2) design is being developed by Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc. (EPI), as a spacecraft battery for both large and small, military and commercial satellites. The DPV cell design offers high specific energy, energy density and reduced cost, while retaining the established IPV technology flight heritage and database. This advanced design also offers a more efficient mechanical, electrical and thermal cell and battery configuration and a reduced parts count. The geometry of the DPV cell promotes compact, minimum volume packaging and battery weight efficiency. The DPV battery design offers significant cost and weight savings potential while providing minimal design risks. In this presentation, we will discuss design features and present test data from existing development cells and address issues relevant to design and production of a DPV battery suitable for a small satellite application which would retain the energy increases and weight and cost reductions proposed. With the DPV, EPI has combined the unique features and significant advantages of NiH2 electrochemistry with the simplicity and extensive design heritage of the NiCd battery system.