LOS ANGELES, 30 Jan. 2007.Teledyne Technologies Inc., has received an option award, under its NASA proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell development contract, to construct and test a 300-watt PEM fuel cell system. NASA's Glenn Research Center issued a $1.5 million contract option as part of an ongoing development of fuel cell power plants for space applications.
The 300-watt power system is designed to be used to test and optimize the water management system and less complex, passive components developed in earlier contract options. Operational test profiles may be based on one or more lunar robotic/exploration missions being considered by NASA.
Robert Mehrabian, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Teledyne Technologies, comments: "With the continuation of this project, combined with the ongoing development of a Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator for the 2009 Mars Science Laboratory mission, Teledyne is on track to provide high-reliability power solutions for many of NASA's planned manned and unmanned space exploration missions."
PEM fuel cells convert the energy available in hydrogen and oxygen to electricity and water. Under development by Teledyne for an array of applications, PEM fuel cells offer advantages over other space power technologies, such as the potential for lower cost due to their wider commercial uses, lower maintenance costs, and a greater peak power capability.
