Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has tested a 100-watt(W) class Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell based Power System (FCPS) to assess its operation in space and to collect data to facilitate the design of systems for future missions.
- The test was carried out in ISRO’s orbital platform, PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM3) which was launched onboard Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C58 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh on 1st January 2024.
Testing:
i.FCPS is an electric generator which works on electrochemical principles.
ii.During the testing of FCPS, 180 W power was generated from Hydrogen(H2) and Oxygen(O2) gases stored in high pressure vessels.
iii.These two gases react to produce electricity, water and small amounts of heat.
Advantages to ISRO:
i.Fuel cell is ideal power source for Space Station as it provide both power and pure water.
ii.Fuel cells are also emission-free.
About POEM3:
i.POEM3 is a low-cost, non-human Indian space station.
ii.It repurposes the fourth stage of PSLV-C58 into a stabilized platform for conducting in-orbit experiments.
- The fourth stage of the rocket was used for the launch of PSLV-C58.
iii.POEM3 aims to conduct 10 experiments including testing of ‘Women Engineered Satellite’ (WESAT) made by the Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Technology for Women, Trivandrum (Kerala).
Additional Info:
Fuel cells do not run out of charge and don’t need to be recharged with electricity. They continue to produce electricity as long as there is a supply of hydrogen and oxygen.
VSSC Tested Si–Graphite Anode-Based Lithium-Ion Cells
ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) has tested 10 Ampere Hour (Ah) Silicon(Si)–Graphite anode based High Energy Density Lithium(Li)-ion cells through the POEM3 experiment to assess the anode’s capability to survive and perform in the space environment.
About the Cell:
i.Si-Graphite anode-based cells can accommodate more Li-ions thereby increasing the energy density of the cell to 190 Watt-hour(Wh)/kg with an operating voltage(V) of 4.2 to 2.8 V.
ii.The cell also utilizes readily available materials and a crimped sealing design which reduces hardware and fabrication costs.
iii.These cells are low-weight and low-cost alternatives to present Li-ion cells.
iv.During testing, the battery system worked for 21 hours in 15 orbits and produced a capacity of 8.9 Ampere Hour (Ah) with a final drained voltage of 0.4V
v.Si-Graphite anode cells can also reduce the mass of the battery by 35-40%.
vi.Though the cell was tested for space application, it can also be used on the ground.
Additional Info:
i.The information about the battery such as on-orbit voltage, current and temperature values were acquired through telemetry.
ii.A conventional Li-ion cell uses pure graphite as anode material which can produce an energy of 157 Wh/kg.
About Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO):
Chairman – Sreedhara Panicker Somanath
Headquarters – Bengaluru, Karnataka
Established in – 1969
