Accession Number:

AD0770680

Title:

Dual Cell Regenerative Fuel Cell Follow-On Investigation.

Descriptive Note:

Technical rept.,

Corporate Author:

PRATT AND WHITNEY AIRCRAFT EAST HARTFORD CONN

Personal Author(s):

• Stedman,James K.
• Baillieul,Douglas B.

Report Date:

1973-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

75.0

Abstract:

This contract continued an analytical and experimental exploratory development program on the integrated dual cell design regenerative fuel cell for communications satellite applications. The design employs separate fuel cells and electrolysis cells in a single container which also acts as a reactant storage vessel. The alkaline electrolyte matrix cells are arranged on two concentric cylinders within the vessel with water transport accomplished by vapor diffusion across the hydrogen gap separating the two cylinders. System design studies of a 2-kw Energy Storage System indicate that an energy density exceeding 20 watt-hours per pound can be obtained for a complete system including redundancy and controls. The test program included elemental tests of flat integrated dual cells, individual electrolysis cells and of light weight cylindrical modules. A flat dual cell rig was tested for 650 cycles in 2872 hours of testing prior to being voluntarily shut down. One of the six light weight modules was operated for 150 cycles. The major conclusion from the efforts is that, although, the dual cell regenerative fuel cell requires further development to eliminate problems associated with electrolyte management, it is a viable concept which can meet the Air Force requirements for an advanced energy storage system for communication satellites. Author

Descriptors:

• *FUEL CELLS
• *SPACECRAFT COMPONENTS
• SYNCHRONOUS SATELLITES
• OXYGEN
• FABRICATION
• PERFORMANCE(ENGINEERING)
• ELECTROLYTES
• ASBESTOS
• EPOXY COMPOUNDS

Subject Categories:

• Electric Power Production and Distribution
• Unmanned Spacecraft

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE