What is a low temperature unitized regenerative fuel cell?

A low temperature unitized regenerative fuel cell realizing 60% round trip efficiency and 10,000 cycles of durability for energy storage applications. Energy Environ. Sci. 13, 2096–2105 (2020). Elcogen.

Are regenerative fuel cells reversible?

In contrast, we refer to a unitized regenerative fuel cell based on, for instance, a SOC 10, 27 or a proton exchange membrane (PEM) 22, 28 technology as an integrated reversible PtG system. Such systems can carry out both production processes on the same equipment, yet they can only run in at most one direction at any point in time.

Can regenerative fuel cell technology be used in space exploration?

NASA's Space Power Systems Project has identified regenerative fuel cell technology as a preferred technology for these space exploration programs, where the requirements are reliable, safe power with solar energy as the primary source, and low mass, volume and cost .

Are PEM fuel cell devices reversible?

Reversible (unitized) PEM fuel cell devices. Portable Fuel Cells Conference; 1999. Mitlitsky F, Weisberg AH, Carter PH, Dittman MD, Myers B, Humble RW. et al. Water rocket - electrolysis propulsion and fuel cell power. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Space Technology Conference and Exposition; 1999.

How do regenerative fuel cells work?

Joos, Frank and Cargnelli have patented a regenerative fuel cell in which a fuel cell stack was joined side by side to an electrolyser stack, so the two stacks were in line to form a single unit. This arrangement of putting two stacks in line allows efficient exchange of gases, water and heat between the two stacks.

Why do regenerative fuel cells close a range?

As explained in the modeling section, a closing of the range corresponds to the scenario where the flexibility inherent in the unitized regenerative fuel cell allows it to achieve an optimized contribution margin that exceeds the LFC of the system, regardless of the prevailing hydrogen price.