Research on Space Regenerative Fuel Cell System and Comprehensive Energy Utilization Technology

Abstract

This paper introduces the application demands and research progress of fuel cells in the space field. Subsequently, an analysis of the comprehensive energy utilization modes of fuel cells from the aspects of water, gas, and heat is conducted. The fuel evaporated from the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen tanks of spacecraft can be used for fuel cell power generation, and the heat generated by fuel cells, together with the low-absorption and low-emissivity thermal control coatings, maintains the temperature of the spacecraft in the shadow area. The product water from fuel cells can be purified for reuse in thermal control, environmental control, and water electrolysis cells. The hydrogen and oxygen produced by electrolyzing water can be recycled for fuel cell power generation, and the oxygen can also be used for environmental control and life support, while the hydrogen can be used for methane production. To reduce system weight and achieve comprehensive utilization of energy and resources, integrated system design and research on regenerative fuel cell system principles are carried out. Finally, through the analysis of prototype performance parameters, the design scheme demonstrates the feasibility of energy and resource recycling.