The objective of this Phase II project is to demonstrate the engineering feasibility of a high power, unitized, regenerative fuel cell that uses sodium borohydride (NaBH4) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) directly at the fuel cell (FC) electrodes. Such a Regenerative Fuel Cell (RFC) is ideally suited for the demanding Unconventional Space Power requirements set forth by DARPA. The engineering prototype proposed would be a kW-class unit, based on the scale-up of the highly successful NaBH4/ H2O2 fuel cell demonstrated by NPL Associates in Phase I. This cell, termed I-CHARGERTM, uses aqueous solutions of NaBH4 and H2O2 directly at the anode and cathode, respectively. This direct process, as shown in experiment, results in >30% higher voltage output compared to ordinary H2/O2 fuel cell, and consequently a 30% higher efficiency. Also the unique combination of the fuel and oxidizer, both being in aqueous form, paves the way for a unique unitized design which is inherently compact compared cells that use gas phase reactants, such as the conventional H2 and O2 fuel cell. Thus I-CHARGERTM is uniquely suited for space power applications, and that is the primary focus of the Phase II development. FUEL CELL, HYDROGEN PEROXIDE FUEL CELL, REGENERATIVE FUEL CELL, SODIUM BOROHYDRATE HYDROGEN STORAGE, SPACE POWER UNIT,I-CHARGERTM, DIRECT AQUEOUS FEED
