The Aerospace Corporation

Albert H Zimmerman

James H Matsumoto

Alonzo Prater

Dennis A Smith

Michael V Quinzio

Charles C Badcock

A zero gravity simulator rotates an electrolytic device, such as nickel hydrogen battery cells, to simulate the effect of zero gravity on the battery cells by providing a cumulative zero gravity vector upon the device under test. The simulator has electrical connections to the device under test for monitoring the electrical performance of the device for determining the expected performance of the device under test when deployed and used in space.

Zero gravity simulator for testing battery cells

A charging and discharging method for lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries determines overcharged, undercharged, normal and degraded operating conditions and adjusts a recharge fraction of recharge capacity to discharge capacity for improving battery life while maintaining the battery cells at a high charge state.

Adaptive charging method for lithium-ion battery cells

Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method that maintains a controlled voltage storage mode by applying a controlled voltage to the nickel-hydrogen battery or cells, and which consists of a controlled voltage source connected appropriately to the cells or battery to control their voltage. A resistor is connected between the power source and the nickel-hydrogen cells to limit current in the event of a short circuit or other failure. No diodes or other protection circuitry is needed since the cells contain essentially no stored charge when maintained at approximately 1 volt per cell.

Growing community of inventors

Torrance, CA, United States of America

Albert H Zimmerman