Reduced Part Count NFTFC for Lunar Energy Storage

NASA has identified a need for energy storage solutions with high energy density and reliability for lunar surface operations. Regenerative fuel cell (RFC) systems are a promising candidate for conditions requiring long duration discharge, such as a 354-hour lunar night. Giner proposes to modify their established non-flow-through-fuel-cell (NFTFC) design to reduce mass in a regenerative fuel cell (RFC) system. Giner will accomplish this by combining the cooling and water removal chambers, which will reduce the mass of the internal NFTFC components by 25%. The Phase I NFTFC optimization shall be performed on Ginerrsquo;s 50 cm2 active area hardware, which can modified for high pressure and lightweight relatively easily. Giner will also assemble and test a proof-of-concept shared endplate stack containing an NFTFC and an electrolyzer, a modification that will further reduce mass in an RFC system. During the Phase II, Giner will design and assemble a full scale shared endplate stack containing an NFTFC and electrolyzer with light-weight endplates rated to 2000 psig. Giner projects an NFTFC energy efficiency of approximately 1000 W/kg by the end of the Phase II effort.