A Mathematical Model for Nickel Hydrogen Cell Behavior on Space Station Freedom

Mathematical modeling of the Ni-H₂ cell based on the fundamental electrochemical processes is necessary for accurately simulating the battery behavior on Space Station Freedom. Accurate predictions are incorporated as part of the development of the Space Station Electric Power System simulation. This simulation will be used to develop and test control algorithms which will maximize the available power in the most efficient way. This is a deviation from the approach used on smaller satellite power systems which are designed with substantial margin. Hence, the use of an empirical battery model is not feasible due to its low fidelity.

This paper covers the electrochemical theory related to the Ni-H₂ cells, and the analysis of experimental data used to develop relations between the cell state of charge and certain cell properties. Theoretical results are compared against well-documented experimental data. Excellent correlation is shown, with a worst-case voltage deviation of about 3% from the experimental data. The worst-case pressure deviation was less than 8%.