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This paper summarizes a technology roadmap for completing advanced development of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Regenerative Fuel Cell (RFC) to meet long life (20,000 hrs at 50% duty cycle) mobile or portable power system applications on the surface of the Moon and Mars. Development of two different sized RFC power system modules is included in this plan (3 and 7.5 kWe). A conservative approach was taken which includes the development of a Ground Engineering System (GES), Qualification Unit (QU), and Flight Unit (FU). Development of a long life system was estimated to require about 7 years (through flight qualification). This development plan was formulated as part of a NASA Lewis task order contract (NAS3-25808) entitled “Mars Power System Concept Definition.” This paper includes a concept description, technology assessment, development issues, development tasks, and development schedule.

The design of an oxygen generation system for advanced submarine life support is presented. Future designs will be driven by cost effectiveness as well as the ability to perform critical mission requirements. This paper reviews the advances in oxygen generating equipment and discusses the approach taken to reduce life support system cost without performance or reliability degradation. The performance of a high differential pressure electrolysis cell design is discussed. The impact of a domeless electrolyzer module on ship life support system complexity and cost is presented.

Life support oxygen generation by water electrolysis is being considered for the Space Station program. On board oxygen generation from reclaimed water would be a major step toward closing the life support loop. An SPE electrolyzer, within which solid polymer membranes are the sole electrolyte, is a candidate for Space Station life support oxygen generation. The SPE electrolyzer, of the type currently qualified and in use for life support in nuclear submarines, has been modified for use in the zero gravity space environment. The proposed SPE electrolyzer configurations have addressed the difficulties of two phase separation and minimization of maintenance. Two variations of SPE electrolyzers are described. One for supplying oxygen and hydrogen at a few hundred psi for use within the space habitat, and one for supplying 3000 psi oxygen for the extravehicular mobility unit.

Based on recent progress in the state-of-the art of fuel cell technology a preliminary design study has recently been completed, which assessed the feasibility of using a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell in an automotive application. Through the incorporation of several innovative system design features, a powerplant design concept was achieved which met or exceeded the specification goals in all areas. In addition, avenues of development were identified which could result in significant reductions in the production costs of the fuel cell modules which could bring them into the range of economic viability. The system design concept is described, together with the economic analysis of the potential production costs for large quantity production rates.