ISRO'S Future Space Power Cell Successfully Tested (image-twitter/ISRO)Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell based Power System (FCPS) in its orbital platform, POEM3. The space agency’s POEM platform was launched on January 1, 2024. Powering missions with efficiency and emitting only water, these fuel cells are the future for power production in space habitats, the national space agency said.
ISRO on Friday announced that they have successfully tested a fuel cell to assess its operation in space and to collect data to facilitate the designs of systems for future missions. The device used the Hydrogen and Oxygen stored at high pressure to generate 180 W during its short duration test onboard POEM3. The successful operation provided invaluable insights into the performance of various static and dynamic systems that are part of the power system as well as the underlying physics.
The PEM power cells is operated on the principle of converting chemical energy from hydrogen and oxygen directly into electricity through electrochemical reaction. This procedure is similar to battery action without combustion. This power cell provides further advantages as the sole byproduct of the process is just water, making it an ideal choice. And thus, a single system alone can handle multiple purposes which will help in enhancing the sustainability of long-duration space habitation.
This technology is also considered one of the efficient way to replace conventional engines by providing comparable range and refueling times while ensuring zero emissions. “Fuel Cells can provide range and fuel recharge time equaling that of today’s conventional engine, which gives them a distinct advantage over batteries, and are expected to facilitate emission free transportation. Fuel cell is ideal power source for Space Station as it provides both power and pure water,” ISRO said.
PEM Fuel Cell marks a remarkable milestone achieved by the space agency. The fuel cell technology will serve as a crucial equipment that could pave the way for the future orbital laboratory.