Considered only from the energy storage point of view, RFCS is competitive with other systems, especially at higher power demands A further advantage results when the possibility of combining the RFCS with other systems is considered. Here, the use of O2 and H2O in life-support, H2 for CO2 concentration and reduction, and H2 and O2 for propulsion can be considered. As mentioned above, the RFCS requires very little in the way of power conditioning. Compared to batteries, the RFCS can work at the voltage level of the space station (e.g. 120 V) and requires no DC/DC converter. In addition, charge/discharge control is very simple. The RFCS can operate at a large range of current densities, can be coupled directly to the solar generator and has no self-discharge problems. Conclusion For energy storage in space, immobile electrolyte RFCSs have advantages compared to the mobile KOH system. The immobile KOH system stands out due to: (i) high performance and efficiency and therefore low system mass; and (ii) less expected problems with operation under microgravity conditions. At increasing power levels (>20 kW), the RFCS becomes more and more attractive compared with batteries, especially when energy storage integration with life-support and propulsion systems is possible. REFERENCES [1] Strasser, K. et al. (1988) Fuel Cell Seminar, Long Beach, CA. [2] Baron, F. (1988) Fuel Cell Seminar, Long Beach, CA. [3] La Conti, A.B. et al. (1978) Proceedings of the Symposium on Electrode Materials and Processes for Energy Conversion and Storage, (The Electrochemical Society). [4] Leysen, R. & Vandenborre, H. (1980) Synthesis and characterization of poly- antimonic acid membranes, Materials Research Bulletin, 15, p. 84. [5] Fortunato, F.A. et al. (1988) SAE paper 880994.
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