Operation of the 25 kW NASA Lewis Research Center Solar Regenerative Fuel Cell Testbed Facility

Abstract

Assembly of the NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC) Solar Regenerative Fuel Cell (RFC) Testbed Facility has been completed and system testing has proceeded. This facility includes the integration of two 25 kW photovoltaic solar cell arrays, a 25 kW proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis unit, four 5 kW PEM fuel cells, high pressure hydrogen and oxygen storage vessels, high purity water storage containers, and computer monitoring, control and data acquisition. The fuel cell and electrolyzer subsystems' installation was carried out by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The photovoltaic arrays and electrical interconnect to the electrolyzer were provided by the US Navy/China Lake Naval Air Warfare Center. JPL is responsible for conducting the testing and operations at the LeRC facility. There are multiple objectives for this program. The near term objectives are: (1) design, assemble, and test the solar RFC power plant system to serve as a pre-prototype operational testbed facility; (2) evaluate performance criteria of the total system, subsystems, and components against various operational duty cycles; and (3) develop automation and controls commensurate with advanced system operating requirements. The long term objectives are: (1) develop a highly reliable, long life, highly efficient solar RFC power system for future manned space missions; and 2) demonstrate the dual use aspects of RFCs applicable to commercial and military applications. The system description and initiation of system testing constitute Phase I of multiple activities planned to take place in the next few years.