Improved Round Trip Efficiency for Regenerative Fuel Cell Systems.

摘要

In developing technology for air independent undersea vehicle missions, a ground-test breadboard system was adapted and utilized to prove advanced components that enable closed-loop, zero emission, low signature energy storage. The system utilizes proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell and electrolysis technology with proven commercial reliability, and a balance- of-plant primarily consisting of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components. Initial durability testing measured the magnitude of reactant loss to the ambient atmosphere, before replacing components known to contribute to this loss as observed during tests in a previous program. Advanced components to mitigate these losses were designed and tested at a bench-top level before integrated testing within the breadboard system. A final round of cyclic testing was conducted with advanced reactant circulation during fuel cell power generation as well as complete hydrogen recovery during the electrolysis recharge period.