DESIGN OF HYDROGEN-OXYGEN CAPILLARY TYPE FUEL CELL.
Abstract
An applied research program was initiated to adapt an existing Allis-Chalmers capillary type hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell for use in a space oriented 28 volt, 400 watt system. The program on the orbital package began with laboratory models which allowed preliminary investigation and evaluation of ideas leading toward package assembly and system operation. A temperature control system for the orbital package was developed which, depending on shroud tempera ture variations, provided evaporative cooling or automatic switching of the fuel cell load and 28 volt heaters. Environmental qualification tests including shock, vibration, acceleration and a one hundred hour thermal vacuum test were conducted successfully on the final package configuration. The orbital fuel cell package was also tested under short periods of weightlessness on a KC-135 jet aircraft at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. This testing did not have any noticeable effect on the performance of the fuel cell package. Information acquired during the program was used to formulate a composite conceptual design of a fuel cell system for a space vehicle electrical energy source. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0600658
Entities
People
- N. P. Bannerton
- R. H. Hum