Static Feed Water Electrolysis System for Space Station Oxygen and Hydrogen Generation

Long-term manned operation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) Space Station will require the use of regenerative processes for the revitalization of the Spacecraft atmosphere. Life Systems, Inc. (Life Systems), in conjunction with NASA's effort to mature water electrolysis technology for applications in the Space Station Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), is developing an alkaline-based Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) which utilizes the Static Feed Electrolyzer (SFE) concept. The OGA is required on the Space Station to provide metabolic oxygen (O₂) for the crew, compensate for O₂ lost overboard due to Space Station leakage, supply O₂ for airlock repressurization and provide hydrogen (H₂) for the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂). The SFE employs highly efficient electrodes with rugged unitized cell construction, integrated mechanical components and advanced Control/Monitor Instrumentation (C/M I) to reduce system complexity, while enhancing overall reliability and maintainability.