Regenerative Fuel Cell for High Power Space System Applications

The future large scale and high power systems for the space and aviation applications will require sources that are capable of generating and storage of large amount of power. Recent advancements in solar cells and solar array technologies have enabled options for providing lightweight and compact solar power generation capability in the 100 – 500kW range. However, in the cases where very high-energy storage capability is required, the energy density of the available energy storage technologies, like NiH2 and Li-Ion batteries, limits the overall mission capabilities. In such cases, new energy storage devices, which have a much higher energy density capability, are essential to reduce the overall mass of the energy storage system. One such option is the use of “Regenerative Fuel Cell (RFC)” concept.