Power
Generation (Cont)
•Fuel Cells are normally a chemical system as was used on
the Apollo program and Space Shuttle program to provide electrical power. •The power is generated by the reaction
between potassium hydroxide, water, oxygen and hydrogen. These cells are
similar to the hybrid electric cars that are available on the market now.
•The byproduct of this reaction produces potable drinking water and heat that is dissipated through exterior radiator loops.
•The upside of this system is that it does not require sunlight or battery banks to store energy and creates potable water.
•Downsides of this system are a limited supply of chemicals which limits its lifetime.