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From: hollis@titan.ksc.nasa.gov
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Fuel cells...
Message-ID: <1993Apr10.183632.6213@titan.ksc.nasa.gov>
Date: 10 Apr 93 18:36:32 EST
Organization: NASA, Kennedy Space Center
Lines: 46


Greetings and Salutations:

From: gt6758b@prism.gatech.EDU (Michael Maverick Kopack)
>specifically the fuel cells that it (the Space Shuttle) uses.

>How it works

The three fuel cells operate as independent electrical power sources, each
supplying its own isolated, simultaneously operating 28 volt DC bus.  The fuel
cell consists of a power section, where the chemical reaction occurs, and an
accessory section that controls and monitors the power sections performance. 
The power section, where hydrogen and oxygen are transformed into electrical
power, water and heat, consist of 96 cells contained in three substacks. 
Manifolds run the length of these substacks and distribute hydrogen, oxygen
and
coolant to the cells.  The cells contain electrolyte consisting of potassium
hydroxide and water, an oxygen electrode (cathode) and a hydrogen electrode
(anode).

The accessory section monitors the reactant flow, removes waste heat and water
from the chemical reaction and controls the temperature of the stack.  The
accessory section consists of the hydrogen and oxygen flow system, the coolant
loop and the electrical control unit.

>Company that makes it

International Fuel Cells,
Division United Technologies Corp.
South Windsor, Conn.

>how much power it makes

Each fuel cell is capable of supplying 12 kilowatts peak, 7 kilowatts
continuous power.

>efficiency

With the fuel cell output at 220 Amps, Oxygen is used at 4 pounds per hour,
and
Hydrogen at 0.6 pounds per hour.

-- 
-----------------------------------------------
Ken Hollis  INTERNET: HOLLIS@TITAN.KSC.NASA.GOV
            SPAN/HEPnet: KSCP00::HOLLIS
Dizzyclaimer:
If you believe this is in any way, shape, or form actual official information
or
opinion,then you are probably as confused if not more so than I am...I
think...