Description: Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) proposes to develop and demonstrate simultaneous H2 generation and compression with intermediate-temperature solid-oxide membranes. The innovation is based on a novel cell architecture and materials, and processing techniques recently developed at PCI. Phase I testing of the developed cell architecture indicated a potential for lightweight and compact hardware, presenting several advantages over state of the art, including high gravimetric and volumetric power density, simplified structure, and highly efficient H2 generation and compression. The multi-functional solid-oxide membrane cell is also capable of operating in fuel cell mode for power generation with high fuel utilization, expected to realize a system with a high round trip efficiency. The key innovations that enable this advance are: (i) innovative cell structure with high DP tolerance; (ii) advanced solid oxide membrane materials that operate at intermediate temperatures; (iii) novel cell and membrane fabrication process; and (iv) novel stack design suitable for simultaneous electrolysis and H2 compression. The Ph. II goal will be to generate high-purity H2 via electrolysis at low energy consumption at a larger scale than Ph. I, and with simultaneous compression to pressures for supporting H2 storage. This avoids the need for mechanical compression as well as sweep gases or gas separators which are essential for conventional solid oxide membranes. Our approach also resolves corrosion in high steam environments. A H2 generation and compression sub stack will be demonstrated and delivered to NASA.

Benefits: In addition to sustainable, energy-efficient production and compression of hydrogen from Lunar resources (with solid state device, without moving parts), other NASA applications include power generation, regenerative operation, and energy storage (as compressed H2) for In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). This technology can also address the Shortfall for ISRU #1583 "Produce propellants and mission consumables from extracted in-situ resources".