A Space Station Utility - Static Feed Electrolyzer 860920

The Static Feed Electrolyzer (SFE) has been under development by NASA through Life Systems, Inc. (Life Systems). Eighteen years of effort has characterized the SFE through extensive hours of testing, ancillary component development, and complimentary advancement in control and monitor instrumentation. The SFE technology is applicable to multiple Space Station systems, e.g., the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), the Electric Power System (EPS), Extravehicular Activity (EVA), and the Propulsion and Reboost System. The ECLSS uses the SFE to generate metabolic oxygen (O₂) for the crew, to provide reactants for carbon dioxide (CO₂) removal, and to furnish hydrogen (H₂) for reduction of the CO₂. As part of the EPS, the SFE regenerates reactants from water to be used in producing electricity in the Regenerative Fuel Cell system (RFCS). For EVA, the SFE is used to replenish backpack and airlock O₂, and regenerate the CO₂ absorbent. An SFE is also capable of generating propellants for the Propulsion and Reboost System. The commonalities between these four systems are examined, requirements for the individual subsystems are discussed and the benefits of addressing the SFE as a Space Station utility are highlighted.