Temperature derivative battery charge control

A battery charge termination technique for NiCd batteries which is especially effective in low Earth orbit is presented. End of charge termination is based on the temperature increase at end of charge using the temperature derivative detection principle. This makes the end of charge termination practically insensitive to environmental temperature, depth of discharge, and solar array charge current fluctuation, and guarantees predictable battery voltages, long battery cycle life, and minimum thermal dissipation. It also requires 30% less charging power compared to the conventinal voltage-limited charging technique.