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A compact, low-power, electrochemically driven fluid cooling pump is currently being developed by Lynntech. With no electric motor and lightweight components, the pump is significantly lighter than conventional rotodynamic and displacement pumps. Reliability and robustness are achieved with the absence of rotating or moving components (apart from the bellows). By employing sulfonated polystyrene-based proton exchange membranes rather than conventional Nafion® membranes, a significant reduction in the actuator power consumption was demonstrated. Lynntech designers also demonstrated that these membranes possess the mechanical strength, durability, and temperature range that are necessary for long-life space operation. The preliminary design for a prototype pump compares very favorably to the design targets of the next generation spacesuit Portable Life Support Systems cooling pump.

As next generation space suit concepts enable extravehicular activity (EVA) mission capability to extend beyond anything currently available today, revolutionary advances in life support technologies are required to achieve anticipated NASA mission profiles that may measure years in duration and require hundreds of sorties. Since most life support systems require power, increased mass and volume efficiency of the energy storage materials can have a dramatic impact on reducing the overall weight of next generation space suits. This paper details the development of a multifunctional fiber battery to address these needs.