North Haven, CT (March 7th, 2018) – Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) announced that it has been awarded a NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract to continue development of a highly efficient and durable regenerative solid oxide fuel cell stack system for use of In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) applications.
The Phase II award follows the successful completion of the Phase I project, which demonstrated the feasibility of PCI’s novel SOFC stack design integrating structural elements that support both internal reforming and electrolysis. The technology targets critical needs in space resource processing, enabling the efficient conversion of methane and hydrocarbons, and the electrolysis of water and carbon dioxide.
“Our approach addresses key challenges in regenerative systems by combining reforming and electrolysis capabilities into a single, compact design,” said Anthony Anderson, Director, Marketing and Business Development at PCI. “The resulting system offers high efficiency, low weight, and improved durability for sustainable surface operations.”
The system employs an advanced solid oxide stack configuration that enhances heat transfer and simplifies integration. It is designed to operate efficiently with regolith-derived gases and to enable oxygen and fuel production from locally available resources. The compact and lightweight nature of the design supports the evolving demand for reliable and resilient systems on future lunar and Martian missions.
“This NASA award reflects our continued progress in developing practical and scalable energy solutions for space exploration,” said Kevin Burns, President of PCI. “Advancing this regenerative solid oxide stack supports NASA’s vision for sustained human presence beyond Earth.”
Under the Phase II program, PCI will advance the design through fabrication and demonstration of a prototype breadboard system to validate performance under relevant conditions. The effort will support NASA’s broader ISRU objectives aimed at reducing mission risk and logistical dependency.
About Precision Combustion, Inc.
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
Phone: 203-287-3700 ext. 290
Email: aanderson@precision-combustion.com
