Highly Efficient, Durable Regenerative Solid Oxide Stack

During the Phase II effort, Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) demonstrated a high efficiency, unitized, regenerative solid oxide stack for alternatively producing power from regolith offgases (e.g., methane and potentially higher hydrocarbons) and electrolyzing of carbon dioxide and water to produce oxygen and hydrogen, overcoming shortcomings of conventional approaches. Cycling capability with low degradation was also demonstrated. Phase II tests were done in an air-blown configuration. To further mature the technology, PCI proposes during the Phase II-E to examine air-independent operation of the regenerative solid oxide stack demonstrated during Phase II. Requirements for transitioning to oxygen blown operation will be identified and developed during the proposed Phase II-E. The stack demonstrated by PCI has the potential to be a core component within an overall regenerative in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) system for NASA applications. This effort would be valuable to NASA as it would significantly reduce space exploration risks and increase mission capability/durability/efficiency while at the same time increasing the TRL of the solid oxide systems for ISRU application.

● Future ISRU concepts for Lunar and Martian bases, rovers, and hydrogen docking stations. ● Implement H2O/CO2-fed O2 generation for Martian based operations, hydrogen storage and hydrogen utilization This comprehensive approach is expected to benefit from multiple resource utilization synergies resulting in expanded applicability for multiple mission applications.

● Renewable hydrogen generation, chemicals production, and power generation ● Fuel cell vehicle refueling ● Power to gas applications ● Military uses which will benefit from portable fuel and energy production within a single technology ● Navy requirements to expand in undersea domain for autonomous systems with long endurance

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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