Regenerative fuel cell systems for energy storage on the Moon

Paper number

IAC-22,C3,3,3,x68349

Author

Mr. CEDRIC DUPONT, France, Air Liquide

Year

2022

Abstract

Before 2030 the moon should see a return of humans on its soil. This time the aim will be to stay on our closest satellite and prepare humans for longer missions towards Mars. Thus, the moon will become an exciting playground for testing technologies and assessing permanent human life in space. 
However, a lot of technological gaps are present and need to be addressed before thinking of a sustainable activity on the moon. This is especially the case for space transportation (reliable lunar landers and rovers), habitat and human health (to provide efficient shelters for preserving human health) or ISRU (capability to use resources present on the moon). A common point of all these different fields is the energy storage challenge. Indeed, the moon's environment is known to be harsh with long periods of darkness and cold (many days to permanently). During these lunar nights, the sun cannot provide power anymore but most of the equipment must be maintained at ambient temperature (or even “On”) requiring electrical (or thermal) power. Thus, energy must be stored during lunar days to be provided during the nights.
Most common energy storage systems today rely on mature battery technology. However, when energy for a long Lunar night is to be stored, the presently low energy density of batteries (around 200 Wh/Kg) becomes unattractive: to store enough energy for one rover (3 kW over 14+ days) gives at least 5 tons of batteries).
Thus, a higher energy density system must be developed which is the case of RFCS (Regenerative Fuel Cell Systems). The principle is very simple. It consists of splitting the water molecule into H2 and O2 gases when energy from the sun is available and storing them. Then using the H2 and O2 in a Fuel Cell to produce electrical power during the night. An RFCS can reach energy density in a wide range, from 200-300 up to 1000 Wh/kg (low power, very high energy stored). Therefore, the total mass of the energy storage system can be drastically reduced. 
In long term vision, H2O value chain can be developed on the moon and therefore RFCS can constitute a corner stone for all the future infrastructures 
This paper will address the recent development made by Air Liquide Advanced Technologies and its partners on RFCS technologies and will provide a status of the future demonstrators currently in development.

Abstract document

IAC-22,C3,3,3,x68349.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-22,C3,3,3,x68349.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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