North Haven, CT (September 14th, 2020 ) – Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) announced today that it has received a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I contract in collaboration with the University of Connecticut to develop a new fuel cell system design to meet NASA’s requirements for spacecraft fuel cell systems for use on the Moon and Mars.
Using spacecraft propellants for the fuel cells powering lunar and Mars habitats and vehicles simplifies the supply chain and supports in situ resource utilization (ISRU). Challenges include ensuring the fuel cell can use the propellant fuels, tolerate contaminants, and achieve sustained high efficiency operation despite extreme low temperatures, thermal cycling, and other operational requirements.
PCI’s design directly addresses these challenges with use of multiple innovations. PCI’s approach offers a system that will be much smaller, lighter, and more thermally effective than current technology or prospective alternative technologies.
Subir Roychoudhury, the project’s Principal Investigator notes, “Our fuel cell system technology is building on advanced approaches towards a new power source for space vehicles and habitats, with features increasing mission viability and capability. Proof-of-concept will be demonstrated in Phase I and a breadboard fuel cell system will be developed and demonstrated in Phase II.”
President Kevin Burns adds, “Our NASA work has challenged us to extend our capabilities, and we’re happy and proud to be working to help America return to the moon, and go beyond. This is important work and our team has done a good job to contribute to it. At the same time, we’re working to apply the technology for Earth applications including power generation and industrial processes. We’re also happy to be working with UConn on this project; UConn has a strong engineering school with innovative scientists, and we’ve had a productive relationship with them.”
Precision Combustion, Inc. is a clean energy technology company developing, manufacturing, and marketing solutions 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
