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A Fuel Cell Energy Storage System for Space Station Extravehicular Activity
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English
Abstract
A greater number of manned extravehicular activities (EVAs) are anticipated for the United States Space Station compared to the few experienced on Space Shuttle missions. This requires the design of a new generation extravehicular mobility unit (EMU). Limitations inherent in the current EMU power supply--zinc silver-oxide batteries--include dry shelf-life, active wet-life, cycle-life, and recharge time, thus making its usage impractical for the Space Station.
An alternative solution, a fuel cell energy storage system (FCESS), is being explored by Ergenics Power Systems, Inc. (EPSI), Wyckoff, N.J., with funding from NASA/Johnson Space Center. The ion-exchange membrane (IEM) fuel cell under consideration utilizes hydrogen stored as a metal hydride. EPSI has demonstrated experimentally that the fuel cell/hydride technology pair should be a primary candidate EMU power supply for its high volumetric/energy density and cycle life, quick recharge, durability, EMU integration, and safety.
This paper describes the EMU (IEM) hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell being developed by EPSI including its construction, hydrogen storage, hydride recharge, waste heat and water removal.
Authors
Citation
Rosso, M., Adlhart, O., and Marmolejo, J., "A Fuel Cell Energy Storage System for Space Station Extravehicular Activity," SAE Technical Paper 881105, 1988, https://doi.org/10.4271/881105.Also In
References
- ADLHART O. ROSSO M. U.S. Patent Application 057377 Ion-Exchange Fuel Cell Assembly with Improved Water and Thermal Management
- CRIDDLE E.E. BARNES W.D. POWELL P.J. Small SPE Fuel Cells for Arctic Applications Proc. 29th Power Sources Conference 4 6 1980
- HUSTON E.L. Engineering Properties of Metal Hydrides Journal of the Less-Common Metals 4 1980 435 443
- TURILLON P.P. SANDROCK G.D. U.S. Patent 4,135,621 Hydrogen Storage Module International Nickel Co.