The European Space Agency (ESA) has entrusted LEMTA with the realization of a prototype electrochemical hydrogen compressor whose objective is to facilitate extraterrestrial observation. This system could replace the mechanical compressors currently used in aerospace applications, which generate vibrations that are detrimental to observation. Moreover, an electrochemical compressor is very compact, having dimensions so small that it can fit in a shoebox. This is a very important advantage, considering the strong constraints in terms of weight and volume to be respected in aerospace applications.
The electrochemical compressor would produce hydrogen at high pressure, which would then be fed into a Joule-Thomson expansion. This process would generate sufficient cold, down to -253°C. At this temperature, hydrogen is in a liquid state, which allows to cool the sensors and to neutralize the electromagnetic radiations produced by them. The proper functioning of the sensors embarked in space would thus be ensured.
In this context, ESA has launched a call for tenders at the end of 2021 for the realization of such a cooling system for aerospace applications. The project proposed by the “Hydrogen and electrochemical systems” team (Gaël Maranzana, Jérôme Dillet and Giuseppe Sdanghi) and Jean-Yves Morel of the “Mechanical design and production” department, uses the principle of membranes with electrodes that makes the fuel cell work: the hydrogen will be oxidized at low pressure, the protons will pass through the membrane, then will be reduced to hydrogen at high pressure. The hydrogen at 100 bars will then be expanded in a capillary, which will create cold without any part moving and therefore without vibrations.
Selected by ESA last spring, the project has a budget of 250,000 € and will be accompanied by the CEA as a consultant.
Contact:
Giuseppe Sdanghi, winner of the HyPSTAR Junior Professorship – giuseppe.sdanghi@univ-lorraine.fr
