Spacecraft power system
US6049190A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S323/906
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A spacecraft power system having an increased number of battery cells that is charged to the battery's full capacity, which exceeds a predetermined maximum voltage allowed by a bus. The battery can be disconnected from the bus during charging. The battery is then partially discharged to accommodate the bus before being reconnected. This provides a reduced voltage range experienced by the bus, as the minimum battery voltage is increased by the increased number of cells. A tap is provided to supply the bus with power when the battery is disconnected from the bus, and when a solar array powering the bus fails to supply current to the bus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.