Regenerative fuel cell systems for mid- to high-orbit satellitesAn assessment of the present and projected capabilities of selected hydrogen-oxygen and hydrogen-halogen fuel cell and electrolyzer combinations for energy storage systems (ESS) in configurations useful for spacecraft missions operating in the 10- to 50-kW range for many years in midaltitude to geosynchronous orbits has recently been completed. Results of the study indicate that regenerative fuel cell ESS are feasible for the intended application. A computer model was used to provide tradeoff analyses for optimizing the various ESS fuel cell concepts. When appropriately configured to be compatible with the mission needs of the selected model spacecraft, the specific energy for these ESS are intermediate between that presently available for nickel-hydrogen batteries and that expected for the newly emerging sodium-sulfur technology.
Document ID
19880024776
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Taenaka, R. K. (Hughes Aircraft Co. El Segundo, CA, United States)
Adler, E. (Hughes Aircraft Co. El Segundo, CA, United States)
Stofel, E. J. (Hughes Aircraft Co. El Segundo, CA, United States)
Clark, K. B. (California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, United States)