Session
Technical Session IV: Advanced Technologies Section I
Abstract
Boundless Corporation and Composite Optics Inc. (ATK/COI), with funding from NASA and the Missile Defense Agency, are developing unique multifunctional structure technology that incorporates energy storage devices as load bearing elements in structural panel assemblies. The technology offers opportunities to save mass and volume that are especially attractive for small satellites. This paper introduces Boundless’ approach to structural energy storage and describes the development status of both structural lithium-ion batteries and structural ultracapacitors. Both devices employ carbon composites that combine energy storage and structural functionality at the level of the electrode. NASA’s proposed Magnetospheric Constellation (MAGCON) mission served as a straw-man small satellite application to guide structural energy storage development. Working prototype panel assemblies have been delivered to NASA and are undergoing evaluation. The emphasis of this paper is on system-level implications of adopting structural energy storage. It discloses various means to realize maximum mass and volume benefit from structural energy storage while minimizing the impact on other satellite subsystems. Effects of adopting structural energy storage on integration and test flow are also addressed.
Presentation Slides
Application of Emerging Structural Energy Storage Technology to Small Satellite Systems
Boundless Corporation and Composite Optics Inc. (ATK/COI), with funding from NASA and the Missile Defense Agency, are developing unique multifunctional structure technology that incorporates energy storage devices as load bearing elements in structural panel assemblies. The technology offers opportunities to save mass and volume that are especially attractive for small satellites. This paper introduces Boundless’ approach to structural energy storage and describes the development status of both structural lithium-ion batteries and structural ultracapacitors. Both devices employ carbon composites that combine energy storage and structural functionality at the level of the electrode. NASA’s proposed Magnetospheric Constellation (MAGCON) mission served as a straw-man small satellite application to guide structural energy storage development. Working prototype panel assemblies have been delivered to NASA and are undergoing evaluation. The emphasis of this paper is on system-level implications of adopting structural energy storage. It discloses various means to realize maximum mass and volume benefit from structural energy storage while minimizing the impact on other satellite subsystems. Effects of adopting structural energy storage on integration and test flow are also addressed.
