Fuel Cells, Components and Systems for Space Technology Applications

Francisco Javier      Rodriguez Varela

Abstract

Advances in different components and configurations of fuel cells which have application in space technology are presented in this work. A review of patents related to fuel cells, from materials to systems and their interconnection with unmanned or manned space crafts, permits to evaluate the current trends in these highly efficient technologies. In fact, it should be mentioned that fuel cells found their first technological application in the early Apollo and Gemini space programs, where Alkaline and Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells were used as the power source. Since then, fundamental and applied research has led to highly reliable and efficient modern fuel cell systems.

Keywords: Alkaline fuel cells, craft propulsion system, electronic controller, gaseous hydrogen fuel, manned craft, liquid oxygen, pressurizing tanks, propulsion system, polymer electrolyte fuel cells, regenerative fuel cells, telecommunication satellites, solid oxide fuel cells, spacecraft, space station, space vehicle fuel cell, unmanned craft, water-hydrogen mixture.