Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTSFraunhofer IKTS develops state-of-the-art fuel cell and battery technologies that are specially tailored to the extreme requirements of space travel. With excellent materials research and robust system design, we are making a contribution to energy supply in space travel.
Fuel cell and electrolysis systems as an energy source for space missions
SOFC/SOEC systems offer a reliable energy source for space missions as an alternative to solar and nuclear energy, for example for the exploration of distant planets. As part of an ESA project, Fraunhofer IKTS is currently developing and testing a SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) system that is specially designed for use in space missions. The aim is to provide a reliable power supply, based on proven technologies from terrestrial energy systems. In a first step, a 200-watt SOFC breadboard powered by hydrocarbons and oxygen was developed and tested. In the following project phases, balance-of-plant (BoP) components will be specified and developed. This will be followed by the construction of a fully integrated system, which will be tested for its suitability for use in space in realistic tests.
In another ESA project, Fraunhofer IKTS is working on the development and testing of a SOEC (Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell) electrolysis system for the in-situ production of fuel on Mars. The aim is to convert locally available carbon dioxide (CO₂) together with water (H₂O) into usable gases such as methane (CH₄) and oxygen (O₂). This is intended to significantly reduce dependence on resources from the earth, which are expensive to transport. The first step is to design a system demonstrator that shows the technical feasibility of coupled co-electrolysis and methanation. The demonstrator will then be built and tested in order to validate the efficiency and feasibility of the process. The system performance will be comprehensively evaluated to identify optimization potential and further develop the technology for future Mars missions.
