Development of a vacuum compatible regenerative fuel cells breadboard

This thesis addresses the development and optimization of a Regenerative Fuel Cell System (RFCS) for lunar missions, a project initiated by the European Space Agency (ESA) with design and implementation contributions from Thales Alenia Space Italia (TAS-I), the Centre for Research and Technology-Hellas (CERTH), and the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH). The RFCS is designed to offer a sustainable solution for energy storage and provision on the Moon by leveraging water electrolysis and fuel cell technology to navigate the long lunar nights. Central to this research is the focus on the Thermal Control System (TCS), the Water Management System (WMS), and the avionics architecture. These systems are critical for maintaining operational temperatures, efficiently managing water, and ensuring reliable data and energy management. The TCS employs both active and passive methods to provide efficient heat transfer and insulation, vital for protecting the RFCS against the extreme thermal con- ditions of space. Meanwhile, the WMS optimizes water circulation and storage, incorporating high-pressure pumps and bellow tanks. Furthermore, the develop- ment of an avionic architecture is detailed, highlighting the integration of electronic systems to control and monitor the RFCS. This includes specifying mechanical and electrical interfaces for each component, emphasizing the importance of system reliability and safety in the demanding space environment. In summary, this thesis provides an overview of the progress of the RFCS from technology readiness level 4 to 5, focusing on the system’s TCS, WMS, and avion- ics, as part of a broader effort to develop sustainable energy solutions for space exploration. The collaborative effort under the guidance of ESA and involving key research and industry partners underscores the project’s importance for future lunar missions and beyond.