Capillary Membrane Hydrogen-Oxygen Fuel Cell System for Space Vehicle Application

This paper describes the development of a simple, effective method of electrolyte concentration control for the Allis-Chalmers Capillary Membrane fuel cell. The method, designated as Vapor Pressure Control, operates on the change in electrolyte vapor pressure which occurs over an operable range of electrolyte concentrations. Stability of cell operation with the method is shown theoretically and is verified by tests on two four-cell modules for durations up to 113 hours.