North Haven, CT (February 13th, 2025) – Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) announced today that it has been awarded a NASA Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II contract titled Simultaneous H2 Generation and Compression with Intermediate-Temperature Solid-Oxide Membranes. This will further develop PCI’s novel approach for simultaneous hydrogen generation and compression using intermediate-temperature solid-oxide membrane (IT-SOM) technology.
Building upon a successful Phase I effort, the Phase II project focuses on scaling and demonstrating PCI’s compact, multifunctional electrolyzer cell architecture. The technology integrates hydrogen production and compression in a single solid-state device, and offers the potential for high-efficiency operation with simplified system design, eliminating the need for mechanical compressors or gas separation steps. The Phase II objective includes delivering a scaled-up hydrogen generation and compression sub-stack to NASA for testing.
“Our approach supports NASA’s need for reliable, lightweight, and energy-efficient hydrogen production and compression from in-situ resources such as water on the Moon or Mars,” said Kevin Burns, PCI’s President. “This allows us to continue developing a robust solution for future deep space exploration and sustainable surface operations while also offering a beachhead toward non-NASA commercial applications.”
The innovation is based on a solid-oxide membrane that operates at intermediate temperatures and incorporates PCI’s proprietary materials and fabrication techniques. This cell structure enables high gravimetric and volumetric power densities, operation without sweep gases, and tolerance to steam environments, all within a simplified, compact configuration. In addition to producing high-purity hydrogen, the system can function in regenerative fuel cell mode, enabling both energy storage and power generation capabilities.
Potential NASA applications include in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) for sustainable lunar and Martian operations, as well as integration into regenerative fuel cell systems for energy storage and power generation. Outside of NASA, the technology supports applications such as distributed hydrogen production, renewable energy storage, and synthetic fuel generation, offering significant commercial potential.
Precision Combustion, Inc. is a clean energy and environmental technology company developing new reactors and systems for energy and environmental sector applications.
For more information, contact:
Anthony Anderson
Director, Marketing and Business Development
Email: aanderson@precision-combustion.com
