10 Dec
2020
10 Dec
'20
5:34 a.m.
I can understand why we haven't been using lithium cells up until now, but with the advent of LiFePO4 batteries is it possible they may be suitable for satellite use? Or is the charging cycle unsuitable since it includes temperature monitoring? I know on-orbit is different, but a large number of our local hams are now using these full-time to run their stations, continuously charged by AC or solar panels. In fact, our entire Field Day operation (should we ever get back into the field again) is powered by a bank of these batteries; a 24v bus regulated down to 14 volts at each radio.
David Reinhart, W4DSR