Regenerative fuel cell energy storage system for a low earth orbit space station

Technical Report · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:6890809

Martin, R E; Garow, J; Michaels, K B

A study was conducted to define characteristics of a Regenerative Fuel Cell System (RFCS) for low earth orbit Space Station missions. The RFCS's were defined and characterized based on both an alkaline electrolyte fuel cell integrated with an alkaline electrolyte water electrolyzer and an alkaline electrolyte fuel cell integrated with an acid solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) water electrolyzer. The study defined the operating characteristics of the systems including system weight, volume, and efficiency. A maintenance philosophy was defined and the implications of system reliability requirements and modularization were determined. Finally, an Engineering Model System was defined and a program to develop and demonstrate the EMS and pacing technology items that should be developed in parallel with the EMS were identified. The specific weight of an optimized RFCS operating at 140 F was defined as a function of system efficiency for a range of module sizes. An EMS operating at a nominal temperature of 180 F and capable of delivery of 10 kW at an overall efficiency of 55.4 percent is described. A program to develop the EMS is described including a technology development effort for pacing technology items.

• Research Organization: United Technologies Corp., South Windsor, CT (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6890809
• Report Number(s): N-88-30184; NASA-CR-174802; FCR-6128; NAS-1.26:174802
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300501* -- Fuel Cells-- Design & Development
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTROLYTES
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ENERGY STORAGE
EQUIPMENT
FUEL CELLS
HYDROGEN FUEL CELLS
POWER SUPPLIES
REGENERATIVE FUEL CELLS
SCALE MODELS
SOLID ELECTROLYTES
SPACE VEHICLES
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
STORAGE
STRUCTURAL MODELS
VEHICLES