Battery Diagnostics and Prognostics for Space Applications

Global Technology Connection, Inc., in collaboration with Georgia Tech (Center for Fuel Cell and Battery Technologies) and our industrial partner, Eagle Pichers, proposes to develop and test the feasibility of a Battery Diagnostics and Prognostics System for space exploration applications. The architecture couples neural network, support vector machine, and fusion algorithms to yield battery remaining useful life predictions taking into account battery usage patterns and detected failure modes to increase the reliability of NASA's electrical power systems. This improved high fidelity architecture will be applied to fault detection and life prediction of both Lead Acid and Lithium-Ion Batteries for several space applications like MER, CEV, CLV, ISS, etc. A multi-disciplinary team with a collaborative approach has been assembled for successful development and demonstration of Battery Life Prediction. Cycle testing of representative cells and batteries will be conducted at the Georgia Tech Research Institute to develop and validate remaining capacity and cycle life models for feasibility. Existing work by GTC on Li-Ion battery deep discharge models and data from our industrial and research partners will be leveraged for development of commercial software that can enhance and monitor battery health and accurately predict remaining useful life. Aggressive commercialization and technology transition plans will be pursued with our industrial team partners.