Improving the EGSE of power subsystem by design and development of a battery emulator for space applications

Abstract

This paper intends to report and describe a variety of activities such as modeling, simulation, design, implementation, test and analysis in order to design and develop EMUBAT, a battery emulator for space applications. The first step of EMUBAT development is battery modeling which is performed by using a typical equivalent circuit. The required parameters for battery modeling are extracted by means of electrical characteristics curves which are presented in battery datasheets or obtained from battery testing. Then, the orbit parameter modeling is investigated for LEO and GEO satellites. Battery thermal conditions due to its in-orbit operations are modeled in the next step. Finally, the hardware configuration and the software structure of EMUBAT are described. Besides, a battery test setup is presented, which is established to facilitate the process of obtaining the required data and parameters, for EMUBAT modeling and simulation. This test setup also makes it possible to have an easier and more precise verification of the emulator outputs.