The closed-cycle hydrogen-oxygen PEM regenerative fuel cell (RFC) at NASA Glenn Research Center has demonstrated multiple back to back contiguous cycles at rated power, and round trip efficiencies up to 52 percent. It is the first fully closed cycle regenerative fuel cell ever demonstrated (entire system is sealed: nothing enters or escapes the system other than electrical power and heat). During FY2006 the system has undergone numerous modifications and internal improvements aimed at reducing parasitic power, heat loss and noise signature, increasing its functionality as an unattended automated energy storage device, and in-service reliability. It also serves as testbed towards development of a 600 W-hr/kg flight configuration, through the successful demonstration of lightweight fuel cell and electrolyser stacks and supporting components. The RFC has demonstrated its potential as an energy storage device for aerospace solar power systems such as solar electric aircraft, lunar and planetary surface installations; any airless environment where minimum system weight is critical. Its development process continues on a path of risk reduction for the flight system NASA will eventually need for the manned lunar outpost.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Hydrogen-Oxygen PEM Regenerative Fuel Cell Development at NASA Glenn Research Center



    Conference:

    2006 Fuel Cell Seminar ; 2006 ; Honolulu, HI, United States


    Publication date :

    2006-01-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Test of Hydrogen-Oxygen PEM Fuel Cell Stack at NASA Glenn Research Center

    Bents, David / Scullin, Vincent / Chang, Bei-Jiann et al. | AIAA | 2003


    Regenerative Fuel Cell Test Rig at Glenn Research Center

    Chang, Bei-Jiann / Johnson, Donald / Garcia, Christopher et al. | AIAA | 2003


    NASA Glenn Research Center

    M. Perez-Davis | NTIS | 2012


    Fuel Cell Activities at the NASA Glenn Research Center

    Kohout, Lisa L. / Lyons, Valerie | NTRS | 2002


    NASA Glenn Research Center

    Perez-Davis, Marla | NTRS | 2012