In close cooperation with the European Space Agency ESA, Estonia will become a leader in oxygen production on Mars
The Estonian cleantech start-up PowerUP Energy Technologies has signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) for the development of a 1kW liquid-cooled hydrogen fuel cell stack with closed cathode, which can be used on lunar cargo ships (lunar night survival) and possibly also on rovers. Typically, fuel cells are open cathodes, but closed cathode fuel cells are used due to the lack of oxygen on the Moon and Mars. Robotic rovers are then typically remotely controlled and carry a payload of scientific instruments with the aim of conducting experimental studies over a distributed area of the surface of the astronomical object. This type of design has found particular importance in the exploration of the moon and Mars.
In the past decade there has been several research and development activities on regenerative PEM fuel cell systems for space applications. These studies were mainly aimed at two types of applications: commercial applications and, in particular, large telecommunications platforms and scientific applications with planetary exploration missions.
About the collaboration, Dr. Ivar Kruusenberg, CEO of PowerUP Energy Technologies: “Usually fuel cells are open cathodes. That is, they take in oxygen from the ambient air, but there is no oxygen on Mars and Moon missions. To address this, we will, with the help of ESA, develop a 1 kW closed cathode hydrogen fuel cell stack that could be used in such space missions. This stack would serve as an additional source of energy that integrates with solar panels and batteries. In cases where the solar panels could not be used to charge the batteries, for example during the night, our stack is used. I believe that fuel cell systems have great potential in space missions to the moon or Mars, especially to power rover robots and cargo ships, as in this case. We are very excited to be developing this under the direction of the European Space Agency. “
One of the main goals of this project is to reduce the complexity of fuel cell systems and to replace ancillary systems with non-moving parts. While the first prototype of the stack is expected to be ready by 2023, the project started this month.
About PowerUP Energy Technologies
PowerUP Energy Technologies is an Estonian cleantech start-up that manufactures first-class electrical generators based on hydrogen fuel cells and fuel cells with proton exchange membranes. PowerUP’s technology is based on 15 years of scientific research by its co-founders in the field of fuel cells and energy technologies. Your generators have a variety of uses in industries such as shipping, telecommunications, military, construction, hospitals, off-grid homes, and rescue workers, to name a few. The UP® product range is sustainable because it only emits water vapor, is compact and light, works noiselessly and requires minimal maintenance. Their first commercial portable 400 W generator and soon 200 W, 1 kW and 6 kW generators will be launched. PowerUP Energy Technologies serves as a sustainable alternative to power generation in today’s world, helping its users in various industries to meet global net zero goals.
Comments are closed.