Study of Fuel Cell System for Powered Balloon.
Abstract
A four-month study was conducted to determine the most economical use of these powerplants for a powered balloon system designated POBAL-S. The fuel cell powerplant selected for this application is an existing model, the PC17A-3, tailored to deliver 2.5 kilowatts at 30 volts d.c. continuously for seven days. In addition to the powerplant itself, the system would contain cryogenic tanks for the 39 pounds of hydrogen and 306 pounds of oxygen used by the fuel cell, a fabric bag for storing the 42 gallons of product water (to maintain constant buoyancy), and a 48-inch-wide-by-88-inch-long aluminum radiator to reject waste heat at 4000 Btu per hour. When loaded with reactants, the power system weighs 707 pounds, equivalent to an energy density of 600 watt-hours per pound. The power system would be mounted on a platform with the payload and the balloon housekeeping equipment to facilitate recovery by parachute. The platform protects everything except the radiator against landing shock, enabling the equipment to be reused for as many as 25 missions. Ground equipment for servicing the reactant tanks is available commercially. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0766253
Entities
People
- Lawrence M. Handley
Organizations
- Pratt & Whitney