Description: PCI will develop and demonstrate advanced materials and innovative structural elements integrated within the stack for efficient H2O/CO2 electrolysis to overcome known SOEC shortcomings. The key focus will be to mitigate anode delamination and enable operation at high pressure differentials. Capability for effective regenerative operation will be examined. In Phase I proof of concept will be demonstrated and in Phase II a rigorous scaled hardware operating at pressure will be demonstrated. PCI has been at the nexus of various fuel cell generator development efforts and is collaborating with a University, as a major subcontractor, to bring to bear considerable expertise in demonstrating an innovative SOEC cell architecture. Additionally, PCI has been working with NASA on multiple atmosphere revitalization efforts for over 20 years and has acquired a comprehensive understanding of the requirements for long duration manned spaceflight and for In-Situ Resource Utilization architecture.

Benefits: This innovative technology offers improvement in SOEC durability and reliability and enables the potential to be key sub-system for NASA ISRU missions and applicable to other mission requirements.

Non-NASA commercial applications are terrestrial H2/O2 generation from steam electrolysis as well as CO2 capture. The technology can be implemented for ISRU concepts for future private sector customers.