Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cells (URFC); Opportunities and Limitations in the Fields of Space Propulsion and Energy Storage

Abstract

Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cells (URFCs) offer a significant advancement in future space system technology. The ability of the URFC to act reversibly as a fuel cell and an electrolyzer allows the integration of two important spacecraft subsystems: power and propulsion. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate the advantages of the URFC system over the separate propulsion and power technology. These advantages will be demonstrated through the compilation of previously documented investigations as well as calculations and scenarios that I have created myself. Overall, I will demonstrate that the efficiency of the integrated URFC system makes it a noteworthy option in spacecraft design.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 17, 1998
Accession Number
ADA356494

Entities

People

  • Richard R. Coalson

Organizations

  • University of Colorado, at Colorado Springs

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Cells
  • Composite Materials
  • Energy
  • Energy Storage
  • Engineers
  • Fuel Cells
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Payload
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Regenerative Fuel Cells
  • Rocket Propellants
  • Small Satellites
  • Space Propulsion
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Components

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrochemical Engineering/ Fuel Cell Technologies
  • Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster