North Haven, CT (May 26, 2022) – Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I award from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to develop a regenerable dehumidification system technology for water management in reversible fuel cells. This system will remove over 99% of water from electrolysis products (hydrogen and oxygen gas) in a reversible fuel cell system using a combination of PCIís innovative high-capacity and regenerable adsorption methods, primarily for extraterrestrial applications.
In space exploration, In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) collects, processes, stores and uses resources found on space habitats. When sunlight is available, ISRU regenerative fuel cell (RFC) energy storage systems generate water-saturated hydrogen and oxygen gases that need to be dehumidified prior to storing the gases. Dumping the water is unacceptable, as water management is a major concern. Current dryers and desiccants cannot meet the specifications as they suffer from reactant loss, are incompatible with the PEM fuel cell gas, and/or do not achieve the relative humidity needed for gas storage.
In the Phase I project, PCI will develop a regenerable dehumidification system combining thermally regenerable desiccants coated on a high surface area support designed for highly efficient moisture capture and rapid desorption with low power input. Goals include reducing the dew point of electrolysis gases to – 40 oC combined with over 99% water recovery for later use.
Kevin Burns, President of PCI, adds, ìPCI brings extensive experience in the development of environmental system sorbents and coatings on high-surface-area supports, including development of multiple regenerable air cleanup prototypes for NASA, DoD, and private companies. PCI is developing a range of new higher efficiency and reduced cost technologies supporting efforts by NASA and the space industry to return to the lunar surface and otherwise operate in space, as well as advancing applications for hydrogen production and fuel cells on Earth.î
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:
Mitali Singh
Business Development Associate
Email: msingh@precision-combustion.com
