A regenerative fuel cell system for modular space station integrated electrical power.

Abstract

A regenerative fuel cell system (RFCS) for energy storage aboard the Modular Space Station (MSS) was selected over the battery technique because of lower cost, lower launch weight, lower required solar array area, and its ability to be integrated into the station's reaction control and environmental control and life support subsystems in addition to the electrical power subsystem. The total MSS energy storage requirement was met by dividing it into four equal modular RFCSs, each made up of a fuel cell subsystem, a water electrolysis subsystem, a gas accumulator subassembly, and a water tank subassembly. The weight of each of the four RFCSs varied from 4000 to 7000 lb with the latter being a more maintainable design. The specific energy ranged between 5.6 to 9.4 watt-hr/lb.