CdTe terrestrial modules as a power source for a regenerative fuel cell power plant for space applications

Three US Government agencies-NASA Lewis Research Center and Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Department of Defense Photovoltaics Review Committee (PVRC), and the Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory-are combining resources, manpower and technology in a unique, multi-agency, cooperative demonstration project involving CdTe thin film terrestrial solar cell modules and a fuel cell system being developed for applications on the Moon or other planets. A prototype system is nearing completion at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The system is powered by two separate 25 kW CdTe PV arrays, one manufactured by Solar Cells Inc. and the other by Golden Photon Inc. The other major subsystems are the electrolyzer system, which separates water into hydrogen and oxygen, and the fuel cell, where the stored hydrogen and oxygen are recombined to produce heat, electricity and water.