ISRO Successfully Tests High Efficiency And Low-Cost Fuel Cell

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 08-01-2024

ISRO Successfully Tests High Efficiency And Low-Cost Fuel Cell

Science and Technology 4 min read

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully tested 100 W class Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell based Power System (FCPS) in its orbital platform, POEM3.

It was launched on PSLV-C58.
This fuel cell has been designed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC).
The fuel cell successfully provided energy to a payload of POEM-3 as a battery. During the test, voltage, current and temperature in orbit were measured with the help of telemetry and were as expected.
The energy system operated for 21 hours in 15 orbits during the flight.

Purpose of experiment:

This experiment aimed to assess the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell.
To collect data to facilitate operations in space and design systems for future missions.
This fuel cell is a precursor to a future energy option for space stations.

Importance of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell:

During short-term testing at POEM, 180W of power was generated from hydrogen and oxygen gasses stored in high-pressure tubes.
It provided abundant data on various static and dynamic systems, which were part of electrical systems and physics.

Fuel cell payload:

Hydrogen-based fuel cells produce electricity from hydrogen and oxygen gasses, purified water and heat.
It is an electrical generator that works on electrochemical principles like a battery instead of the combustion reactions employed in conventional generators.
The ability to produce electricity directly from fuel without intermediate stages makes them very efficient.
The entire process is completely emission-free, with only water being released as a residual.
These characteristics make it ideal for space missions involving humans where power, water and heat are essential.
It can meet multiple requirements in a single system mission.

The anode of the fuel cell:

Traditional Li-ion cells use pure graphite as the anode (the electrode that releases electrons to generate electricity in the cell).
This cell developed by VSSC uses a silicon-graphite combination as an anode.
It can accommodate more Li-ions in a smaller space, thereby generating more energy.

Application of fuel cell:

It will offer a low-cost and lightweight alternative to traditional cells.
These fuel cells can be used to replace engines in a variety of vehicles and to power standby power systems.
These fuel cells can provide the same range and fuel recharge time as conventional engines.
This gives a distinct importance to these batteries and is also expected to facilitate emission-free transportation.
The fuel cell is a favourable energy source for the space station, providing both energy and purified water.