Most, if not all, spacecraft require some form of energy storage medium. The requirements for the type and configuration of energy storage are generally dictated by four main factors:
The most commonly used form of energy storage are Secondary Batteries. It should be remembered, however, that there are alternatives to this stalwart method of storing power. These alternatives include Primary Batteries, Fuel Cells, Mechanical Energy Storage and Super Capacitors.
Another reason not mentioned above which must also be considered is the finance budget and schedule considerations of the mission. Secondary batteries mostly provide the most cost effective solution due to the fact that the technology is widely available, but also because most power system architectures and electronics are designed to interface to this means of energy storage. If the mission requirements lend themselves to a less standard means of energy storage this can have serious impacts to the rest of the spacecraft subsystems.
Lithium Ion Polymer Cell for Small Satellites
Presented at the 2008 NASA Battery Workshop. Summarises the work performed by Clyde Space to characterise our lithium polymer cell.
Evaluation of Lithium Polymer Technology for Small Satellite Applications
Presented at the 2007 Small Satellite Conference in Utah. Summarises the results of a study funded by ESA into the potential of lithium polymer technology for space use.
Commercial Nickel Cadmium Batteries for Space Use
This paper is authored by Craig Clark and presented at the European Space Power Conference in Tarragona, Spain in 1998. This paper describes the use of commercial Nickel Cadmium cells on small satellites.
Handbook Of Batteries, David Linden.