Zero gravity simulator for testing battery cells

• US 6,218,843 B1
• Filed: 06/23/2000
• Issued: 04/17/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 06/23/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Aerospace Corporation
• Original Assignee: Aerospace Corporation
• Inventors: Matsumoto, James H., Prater, Alonzo, Smith, Dennis A., Zimmerman, Albert H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Tso, Edward H.
• Application Number:
  US09/602,248
• Time in Patent Office: 298 Days
• Field of Search: 320/107, 320/112, 324/426, 324/432
• US Class Current: 324/426
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/374 with means for correcting the measurement for temperature or ageing
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/385 Arrangements for measuring battery or accumulator variables for monitoring G01R31/382

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A system for simulating zero gravity, the system comprising,

a rotating support that is rotated about a horizontal axis relative to earth gravity,

a device containing a liquid that can flow to various regions within the device, and

a motor for rotating the rotating support, the rotation being at a predetermined rate, a time average gravitation force upon the devices is zero.

2. The system of claim 1 further including,

a monitoring system for monitoring the performance of the devices being tested at a predetermined level of liquid.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a temperature chamber for encapsulating and heating the rotating support and the devices.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein,

the devices are nickel hydrogen battery cells,

the fluid is an electrolyte, and

the rotating support rotates the battery cells at a predetermined rate to prevent pooling of the electrolyte.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the devices are nickel hydrogen battery cells, the fluid is an electrolyte, and the rotating support rotates the battery cells at a predetermined rate to prevent pooling of the electrolyte, the system further comprising a monitoring system for monitoring acoustic sounds emanating from the cells indicative of failing battery operation.