Fuel Cell Applications for Future Missions

To advance the technology readiness level (TRL) of regenerative fuel cell systems to TRL4 by mid 2022 by validating the regenerative fuel cell system (RFCS) breadboard in a laboratory environment.

In the previous de-risk activity, the feasibility of developing a fuel cell system based on spin-in from terrestrial solutions for different space applications was confirmed. Regenerative fuel cell systems can outperform classic Li-Ion batteries in terms of specific energy (Wh/kg) especially for large systems, e.g. for lunar stations, landers or rovers. The identification of suitable components and suppliers was done along with a preliminary design of the breadboard in the previous activity.;The objective of this activity will be reached by testing the identified off the shelf components (terrestrial and for space). Concerning the fuel cell and electrolyser stacks, solutions for the stack designs to meet the space specific needs will be addressed. Then the detailed design is finalized based on the final selection of components for the breadboard. The breadboard is built from the selected components and then characterized and tested with the relevant cycling profile as per the selected applications. The nominal power of the system shall be in the range from 500 - 1000 W. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) technology for both fuel cell and electrolyser stacks shall be used. Terrestrial technologies and Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products shall be used wherever it is possible. The main tasks of the activity will be performed in the following two phases:Phase 1 (200k):Selection and procurement of COTS components Testing of COTS (terrestrial and space) components for the applicationTesting of fuel cell and electrolyser stacks suitability for the RFCSFinalization of the detailed designPhase 2 (400k):Building and testing of a RFCS Breadboard ready for TRL4Analysis and assessment of the breadboard test results Elaboration of the Technology roadmap to reach TRL6