Fuel Cell/Li-ion Battery Hybrid Power System for Space Suits

With the ongoing construction of the international space station (ISS), as well as the ever growing desire for manned missions to Mars, the duration and complexity of extravehicular activity (EVA) periods will increase. As a result, electrical power systems with higher capacities and broader capabilities necessary for extended EVA missions are urgently needed. Currently, electrical power is supplied by a variety of secondary (rechargeable) batteries, all with relatively low energy densities (30 ? 90 Wh/kg) and fewer charge/discharge cycles than desired at a substantial monetary cost. Achieving the increased capacity required for extended EVA periods will be difficult, if not impossible, with secondary batteries. A Monopolar? proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell/Li-ion battery hybrid system, utilizing a rechargeable hydrogen storage unit, has both high efficiency and high power?to?weight and ?volume ratios. Lynntech Inc.?s patented Monopolar? PEM fuel cell technology is easily integrated with commercially-available hydrogen storage, Li-ion batteries, and power management controllers, making it ideally suited for the ever increasing demands of NASA and other aerospaceapplications.