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Static Feed Water Electrolysis System for Space Station O 2 and H 2 Generation
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English
Abstract
Long-term manned operation of NASA's Space Station will dictate use of regenerative processes for the revitalization of the Spacecraft atmosphere. An alkaline Static Feed Water Electrolysis System (SFWES) is being developed by Life Systems, Inc. and NASA to generate metabolic oxygen (O2) for the crew, provide hydrogen (H2) for reduction of concentrated carbon dioxide (CO2) and compensate for O2 lost overboard due to Space Station leakage. The SFWES employs highly efficient electrodes with rugged unitized cell construction. Integrated mechanical components and advanced automated Control/Monitor Instrumentation (C/M I) are used to reduce system complexity while enhancing overall reliability and maintainability.
Crew size and the unique environment of space drive the system design. Key SFWES operating conditions, such as current density, temperature and pressure, were used in trade studies to optimize individual cell size and total equivalent weight of a three-person SFWES Oxygen Generation System (OGS). Two different Space Station power penalty values were selected to bracket the cell size and total equivalent weight of the OGS. The optimization study resulted in a SFWES having an 18-cell module with individual cell active areas of 0.023 m2 (0.25 ft2).
The overall system design presented is based upon the experience gained from system and cell endurance and component testing. One-person and three-person subsystems have been built and tested for over 4,000 hours while endurance tests on three individual cells have exceeded 38,000 hours each. Individual mechanical components are presently undergoing endurance and cyclic testing to enhance an already strong data base. This paper concludes with projected characteristics of a three-person SFWES for the Space Station and quantifies associated key characteristics such as power, weight and dimensions of the unit.
Citation
Larkins, J. and Kovach, A., "Static Feed Water Electrolysis System for Space Station O2 and H2 Generation," SAE Technical Paper 851339, 1985, https://doi.org/10.4271/851339.Also In
References
- Schubert, F. H. Lee, M. K. Davenport, R. J. Quattrone, P. D. “Water Electrolysis Systems: H 2 and O 2 Generation,” Paper No. 78-ENAs03, Intersociety Conference on Environmental Systems San Diego, CA July 10-13 1978
- Schubert, F. H. Wynveen, R. A. Jensen, F. C. “Development of an Advanced Static Feed Water Electrolysis Module,” Paper No. 75-ENAs-30, Intersociety Conference on Environmental Systems San Francisco, CA July 21-24 1975
- Schubert, F. H. Wynveen, R. A. “Technology Advancement of the Static Feed Water Electrolysis Process,” Final Report, Contract NAS2-8682, CR-152073 Life Systems, Inc. Cleveland, OH November 1977
- Burke, K. A. Schubert, F. H. “Endurance Test and Evaluation of Alkaline Water Electrolysis Cells,” Interim Report, Contract NAS3-21287 Life Systems, Inc. Cleveland, OH November 1981
- Kovach, A. J. Chang, B. J. Larkins, J. T. Schubert, F. H. “Endurance Test and Evaluation of Alkaline Water Electrolysis Cells,” Interim Report, Contract NAS3-21287 Life Systems, Inc. Cleveland, OH December 1984
- Koszenski, E. P. Schubert, F. H. Burke, K. A. “Static Feed Water Electrolysis Subsystem Testing and Component Development,” Final Report, Contract NAS2-11087 Life Systems, Inc. Cleveland, OH September 1983