Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Gas/Water and Heat Management of PEM-Based Fuel Cell and Electrolyzer Systems for Space Applications

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Microgravity Science and Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells were successfully utilized in the field of space applications to provide electric energy and potable water in human-rated space mission since the 1960s. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) based fuel cells, which provide high power/energy densities, were reconsidered as a promising space power equipment for future space exploration. PEM-based water electrolyzers were employed to provide life support for crews or as major components of regenerative fuel cells for energy storage. Gas/water and heat are some of the key challenges in PEM-based fuel cells and electrolytic cells, especially when applied to space scenarios. In the past decades, efforts related to gas/water and thermal control have been reported to effectively improve cell performance, stability lifespan, and reduce mass, volume and costs of those space cell systems. This study aimed to present a primary review of research on gas/water and waste thermal management for PEM-based electrochemical cell systems applied to future space explorations. In the fuel cell system, technologies related to reactant supplement, gas humidification, water removal and active/passive water separation were summarized in detail. Experimental studies were discussed to provide a direct understanding of the effect of the gas-liquid two-phase flow on product removal and mass transfer for PEM-based fuel cell operating in a short-term microgravity environment. In the electrolyzer system, several active and static passive phaseseparation methods based on diverse water supplement approaches were discussed. A summary of two advanced passive thermal management approaches, which are available for various sizes of space cell stacks, was specifically provided

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Appleby, A.J.: Regenerative fuel cells for space applications. J. Power Sources 22(3–4), 377–385 (1988)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baldwin, R., Pham, M., Leonida, A., McElroy, J., Nalette, T.: Hydrogen-oxygen proton-exchange membrane fuel cells and electrolyzers. J. Power Sources 29(3–4), 399–412 (1990)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barbir, B., Molter, T., Dalton, L.: Efficiency and weight trade-off analysis of regenerative fuel cell as energy storage for aerospace applications. Int. J. Hydrogen Energ. 30(4), 351–357 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burke, K.A.: Fuel cell for space science applications. In: Proceedings of 1St International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference (IECEC), Portsmouth (2003)

  • Burke, K.A.: Small portable PEM fuel cell systems for NASA exploration missions. In: Proceedings of 3rd International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, San Francisco (2005)

  • Burke, K.A.: Advanced fuel cell system thermal management for NASA exploration missions. In: Proceedings of AIAA 6Th International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, pp 215426–1–215426-12, Cleveland (2008)

  • Burke, K.A., Jakupca, I., Colozza, A.: Development of passive fuel cell thermal management technology. In: Proceedings of AIAA 7Th International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, pp 216773–1–216773-14, Denver (2009)

  • Burke, K.A., Jakupca, I.J., Colozza, A.J.: Development of passive fuel cell thermal management heat exchanger. Technical paper, NASA/TM—2010, USA. pp. 216892-1–216892-19 (2010)

  • Butler, R., McElroy, J., Smith, W.: SPE® Electrolysis for Current and Future Space Applications. In: Proceedings of 26Th International Conference on Environmental Systems, Monterey (1996)

  • Chen, S.Z., Wu, Y.H.: Gravity effect on water discharged in PEM fuel cell cathode. Int. J. Hydrog. Energy 35, 2888–2893 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Colozza, A.J., Burke, K.A.: Fuel Cell Thermal Management Through Conductive Cooling Plates, pp 215149–1–215149-43. Technical Paper, NASA/TM—2008, USA (2008)

    Google Scholar 

  • Erickson, A.C., Mcelroy, J.F.: Space Station Life Support Oxygen Generation by SPE® Water Electrolyzer Systems. SAE Technical Paper, 860949 (1986)

  • Gave, G.: Adaptation of PEM Fuel Cell Technology to Different Space Applications. In: Proceedings of 55Th International Astronautical Congress 2004, Vancouver (2004)

  • Guo, H., Zhao, J.F., Liu, X., Ye, F., Wan, S.X., Ma, C.F.: Experimental study of fuel cells performance in short term microgravity condition. J. Eng. Thermophys. 29(5), 865–867 (2008a). [in Chinese]

  • Guo, H., Zhao, J.F., Ye, F., Wan, S.X., Ma, C.F.: Experimental study of performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells in short–term microgravity condition. J. Eng. Thermophys. 30(8), 1376–1378 (2008b). [in Chinese]

  • Guo, H., Zhao, J.F., Ye, F., Wu, F., Lv, C.P., Ma, C.F.: Two-phase flow in fuel cells in short-term microgravity condition. Microgravity Sci. Technol. 20(3), 265–269 (2008c)

  • Guo, H., Wu, F., Ye, F., Zhao, J.F., Wan, S.X., Ma, C.F.: Two–phase flow in anode flow field of a small direct methanol fuel cell in different gravities. Sci. China Ser. E 52(6), 1576–1582 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guo, H., Liu, X., Zhao, J.F., Ye, F., Ma, C.F.: Experimental study of two-phase flow in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell in short–term microgravity condition. Appl. Energy 136, 509–518 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guo, H., Liu, X., Zhao, J.F., Ye, F., Ma, C.F.: Effect of low gravity on water removal inside proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) with different flow channel configurations. Energy 115, 926–934 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hazuku, T., Takamasa, T., Hibiki, T.: Phase distribution characteristics of bubbly flow in mini pipes under normal and microgravity conditions. Microgravity Sci. Technol. 27(2), 75–96 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoberecht, M.A.: A Comparison of Flow-Through versus Non-Flow-Through proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems for NASA’s exploration missions. Technical Report NASA (2010)

  • Hoberecht, M., Burke, K., Jakupca, I.: The advantages of non-flow-through fuel cell power systems for aerospace applications. Technical Report, NASA, Washington D.C. (2011)

  • Huang, Y., Zhu, C.Q., Xiang, X.: Granular flow under microgravity: a preliminary review. Microgravity Sci. Technol. 26(2), 131–138 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jalali, S.A., Andrea, S.J.: Advanced technology spacesuit ejector testing and analysis. In: Proceedings of Society of Automotive Engineers 28th International Conference on Environmental Systems, SAE Technical Paper 981670 (1998), 10.4271/981670

  • Jalali, S.A., Stinson, R.G.: Ejector Design for the Advanced Technology Spacesuit. In: Proceedings of Society of Automotive Engineers 28th International Conference on Environmental Systems, SAE Technical Paper 981669 (1998), 10.4271/981669

  • Joshua, M., Lweis, N.S.: Proton exchange membrane electrolysis sustained by water vapor. Energ. Environ. Sci. 4(4), 2993–2998 (2011)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaneko, H., Tanaka, K., Iwasaki, A., Abe, Y., Negishi, A.: Water electrolysis under microgravity condition by parabolic flight. Electrochim. Acta. 38(5), 729–733 (1993)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kang, M.F., Hoyt, N.C., Kadambi, J., Kamotani, Y.: Study of gas core behavior of passive cyclonic two-phase separator for microgravity applications. Microgravity Sci. Technol. 26(3), 147–157 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kimble, M., Hoberecht, M.: Performance Evaluation of Electrochem’s PEM Fuel Cell Power Plant for NASA’S 2Nd Generator Reusable Launch Vehicle. In: Proceedings of 1St International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference (IECEC), Portsmouth (2003)

  • Lee, J.C., Shay, T., Chang, S.K.: Orientation-dependent performance of portable proton exchange membrane fuel cells. J. Fuel Cell Sci. Technol. 8(3), 031007–1–031007-7 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leonida, A.: Hydrogen/Oxygen Fuel Cells with In-Situ Product Water Removal. In: Proceedings of 33rd International Power Sources Symposium, Cherry Hill (1988)

  • Leonida, A.: Hydrogen/Oxygen SPE Electrochemical Devices for Zero-G Applications. In: Proceedings of European Space Power Conference, pp 227–231, Madrid (1989)

  • Li, J.R., Yi, Y.L., Zhou, K.H., Wang, F., Ren, C.B.: Progress of oxygen generation technology by water electrolysis in space station. Space Med. Med. Eng. 26, 215–220 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu, J.X., Guo, H., Ye, F., Qiu, D.C., Ma, C.F.: Interfacial phenomena and heat transfer in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Interfacial Phenomena and Heat Transfer 3(3), 259–301 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lu, Z.J., Rath, C., Zhang, G.S., Kandlikar, S.G.: Water management studies in PEM fuel cells, part IV: effects of channel surface wettability, geometry and orientation on the two-phase flow in parallel gas channels. Int. J. Hydrogen Energ. 36(16), 9864–9875 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manzo, M.A., Miller, T.B., Hoberecht, M.A., Baumann, E.D.: Energy Storage: Batteries and Fuel Cells for Exploration. In: Proceedings of 45Th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno (2007)

  • McCurdy, K., Vasquea, A., Bradley, K.: Development of PEMFC Systems for Space Power Applications. In: Proceedings of Fuel Cell, p 2003, Rochester (2003)

  • Mercer, C.R., Jankovsky, A.L., Reid, C.M., Miller, T.B., Hoberecht, M.A.: Energy Storage Technology Development for Space Exploration. In: Proceedings of AIAA Space 2010 Conference and Exposition, Anaheim (2010)

  • Morin, A., Xu, F.N., Gebel, G., Diat, O.: Influence of PEMFC gas flow configuration on performance and water distribution studied by SANS: evidence of the effect of gravity. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 36(4), 3096–3109 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Najjari, M., Khemili, F., Nasrallah, S.B.: The effects of the gravity on transient responses and cathode flooding in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 38(8), 3330–3337 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nishida, K., Taniguchi, R., Ishizaki, Y., Tsushima, S., Hirai, S.: Impacts of channel wettability and flow direction on liquid water transport in the serpentine flow field of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. J. Power Sources 275, 447–457 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nuttall, L.J.: Solid Polymer Electrolysis Fuel Cell Status Report. In: Proceedings of 10th Annual Intersociety Energy Conversion and Engineering Conference (IECEC 1975), pp 210–217, Newark, Del (1975)

  • Park, J., Oh, H., Ha, T., Lee, Y.I., Min, K.: A review of the gas diffusion layer in proton exchange membrane fuel cells: durability and degradation. Appl. Energy 155, 866–880 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peng, C., Zhao, J.F., Du, W., Li, J.: Experimental study of the orientation influence on performance of electrolytic cell. J. Eng. Thermophy. 34(8), 1491–1493 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  • Reaves, W.F., Hoberecht, M.A.: Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell Status and Remaining Challenges for Manned Space-Flight Application. In: Proceedings of 1St International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference IECEC, Portsmouth (2003)

  • Sakurai, M., Oguchi, M., Hoshino, T., Yoshihara, S., Ohmori, K., Ohnishi, M.: Water Electrolysis Cells Designed for Microgravity Conditions in Order to Establish a Self-Contained Partially-Circulated Life Support System. In: Proceedings of 55Th International Astronautical Congress, Vancouver (2004)

  • Sakurai, M., Oguchi, M., Hoshino, T., Yoshihara, S., Ohnishi, M.: Study of Air Revitalization and Water Electrolysis System for Small Satellite Orbital Demonstration. In: Proceedings of 56th International Astronautical Congress, Vancouver (2005)

  • Sakurai, M., Sone, Y., Nishida, T., Matsushima, H., Fukunaka, Y.: Fundamental study of water electrolysis for life support system in space. Electrochim. Acta. 100, 350–357 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sanchez, D.G., Ortiz, A., Friedrich, K.A.: Oscillation of PEFC under low cathode humidification: effect of gravitation and bipolar plate design. J. Electrochem. Soc. 160(2013-04-04), 636–644 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scheidegger, B.T., Burke, K.A., Jakupca, I.J.: Non-Flow-Through Fuel Cell System Test Results and Demonstration on the SCARAB Rover. In: Proceedings of 45th Power Sources Conference, Las Vegas (2012)

  • Schmitt, W.E., Norman, T.J., Mittelsteadt, C.K., Roy, R.J., Murach, B.L.: Development Testing of High-Pressure Cathode Feed Water Electrolysis Cell Stacks for Microgravity Environments. In: 41st International Conference on Environmental Systems, Portland (2011)

  • Scott, J.H.: Fuel cell development for NASA’s human exploration program: Benchmarking with “The Hydrogen Economy”. J. Fuel Cell Sci. Tech. 6(2), 021011–1–021011-7 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Snyder, M.P., Joyce, E.R., Trassare, A.L., Justice, B.O.: Mobile Instrument for Lunar Exploration Endeavors the Design of a Fuel Cell Powered Lunar Exploration Vehicle. In: Proceedings of AIAA Space Conference and Exposition 2010, pp 1543–1549, Anaheim (2010)

  • Sone, Y.: A 100-W class regenerative fuel cell system for lunar and planetary missions. J. Power Sources 196 (21), 9076–9080 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sone, Y., Ueno, M., Kuwajima, S.: Fuel cell development for space applications in a micro-gravitational and closed environment. Electrochemistry 71(11), 938–943 (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sone, Y., Ueno, M., Naito, H., Kuwajima, S.: Stable Performance of PEFC in a Closed Environment without Humidification. In: Proceedings of Electrochemical Society, pp 684–693 (2004a)

  • Sone, Y., Ueno, M., Kuwajima, S.: Fuel cell development for space applications: fuel cell system in a closed environment. J. Power Sources 137(2), 269–276 (2004b)

  • Sone, Y., Ueno, M., Naito, H., Kuwajima, S.: Stable performance of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell system in a closed environment without external humidification. Electrochemistry 74(9), 768–773 (2006a)

  • Sone, Y., Ueno, M., Naito, H., Kuwajima, S.: One kilowatt–class fuel cell system for the aerospace applications in a micro–gravitational and closed environment. J. Power Sources 157(2), 886–892 (2006b)

  • St-Pierre, J., Jia, N.: Successful demonstration of Ballard PEMFCs for space shuttle applications. J. New Mater. Electrochem. Syst. 5(4), 263–271 (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  • Vanderborgh, N.E., Hedhstrom, J., Huff, J.R.: Advanced space power PEM fuel cell systems. In: European Space Power Conference Proceedings, p 211, Madrid (1989)

  • Vanderborgh, N.E., Hedhstrom, J., Huff, J.R.: Thermal Management of Advanced Fuel Cell Power Systems. In: Proceedings of Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference (IECEC 1990), pp 149–153 (1990)

  • Vasquez, A., Varanauski, D., Clark Jr., B.: Analysis and test of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell power system for space power applications. NASA Johnson space center. http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20110011486.pdf (2000)

  • Voecks, G.E., Rohatgi, N.K., Jan, D.L., Ferraro, N.W., Moore, S.H., Warshay, M., Prokopius, P.R., Edwards, H.S., Smith, G.D.: Operation of the 25 kW NASA Research Center Solar Regenerative Fuel Cell Tested Facility. In: Proceedings of the 32nd Intersocity Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, pp 1543–1549, Honolulu (1997)

  • Wang, T., Li, H.X., Zhao, J.F.: Three-dimensional numerical simulation of bubble dynamics in microgravity under the influence of nonuniform electric fields. Microgravity Sci. Technol. 28, 133–142 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Warshay, M., Prokopius, P.R.: The fuel cell in space: yesterday, today and tomorrow. J. Power Sources 29, 193–200 (1990)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Warshay, M., Prokopius, P., Le, M., Voecks, G.: The NASA Fuel Cell Upgrade Program for the Space Shuttle Orbiter. In: Proceedings of 32nd Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference (IECEC-97), pp 228–231, Honolulu (1997)

  • Xuan, J., Leung, M.K.H., Leung, D.Y.C., Wang, H.Z.: Towards orientation-independent performance of membraneless microfluidic fuel cell: understanding the gravity effects. Appl. Energy 90(1), 80–86 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ye, F., Wu, F., Zhao, J.F., Guo, H., Wan, S.X., Lv, C.P., Ma, C.F.: Experimental investigation of performance of a miniature direct methanol fuel cell in Short–Term microgravity. Microgravity Sci. Technol. 22 (3), 347–352 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yu, Y., Tu, Z.K., Zhan, Z.G., Pan, M.: Gravity effects on the performance of PEM fuel cell stack with different gas manifold positions. Int. J. Energ. Res. 36(7), 845–855 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao, J.F., Guo, H., Ye, F., Wan, S.X., Wei, M.G., Wu, F., Ye, F., Ma, C.F.: Experimental study on two phase flow and power performance of DMFC utilizing the drop tower Beijing. Chin. J. Space Sci. 28 (1), 17–21 (2008). [in Chinese]

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51476003) for the financial support.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. MOE Key Laboratory of Enhanced Heat Transfer and Energy Conservation, and Beijing Key Laboratory of Heat Transfer and Energy Conversion, College of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China

    Qing Guo, Fang Ye, Hang Guo & Chong Fang Ma

Authors
  1. Qing Guo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Fang Ye
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Hang Guo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Chong Fang Ma
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Fang Ye.

Nomenclature

Nomenclature

AFCs:

Alkaline fuel cells

CL(s):

Catalyst layer(s)

DMFCs:

Direct methanol fuel cells

ESA:

European Space Agency

FT:

Flow-Through

GDL(s):

Gas diffusion layer(s)

IEMFCs:

Ion electrolyte membrane fuel cells

JAXA:

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

JSC:

Johnson Space Center

NASA:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NFT:

Non-Flow-Through

PEM:

Proton exchange membrane

PEMECs:

Proton exchange membrane electrolytic cells

PEMFCs:

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells

RFCs:

Regenerative fuel cells

SPE:

Solid polymer membrane

URFCs:

Utilized regenerative fuel cells

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Guo, Q., Ye, F., Guo, H. et al. Gas/Water and Heat Management of PEM-Based Fuel Cell and Electrolyzer Systems for Space Applications. Microgravity Sci. Technol. 29, 49–63 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12217-016-9525-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12217-016-9525-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation