The next program to be undertaken by NASA is the Space Station. It is unique for many reasons, one of which is the magnitude of the power system. The initial operational capability is expected to be 75 kilowatts for the users and to grow to 300 kilowatts. At this point in time, the initial power source is expected to be photovoltaic solar arrays. Since the Space Station is eclipsed during roughly one-third of the orbit and the solar arrays do not produce electricity during this time, some sort of energy storage system (EES) is necessary. One candidate technology for the ESS is the regenerative fuel cell (RFC). In preparation for using the RFC as the ESS for Space Station, a joint advanced development program was initiated by the Lewis Research Center in Houston, Texas, to design, manufacture, and integrate a Regenerative Fuel Cell Space Station Prototype (RFC SSP). This unit will be tested on the ground in a thermal-vacuum environment at a nominal 10-kilowatt level. Orbit times and conditions will be simulated. The tests on this unit are expected to provide data and operating regimes that confirm reactant storage techniques, water management, heat sharing, and microprocessor control techniques. Space Station conditions will be simulated to prove that such a closed cycle system is efficient, practical, and capable of handling all envisioned Space Station power system operating conditions.
Alkaline RFC space station prototype
Prototyp der alkalischen regenerativen Brennstoffzelle fuer die Raumstation
1986
6 Seiten, 8 Bilder, 3 Tabellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
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