Hydrogen-Based Energy Conservation System

Skyre’s H2RENEW electrochemical hydrogen separation and compression technology (EHSC) uses a process wherein an electrochemical cell is used to oxidize hydrogen at an electrochemical cell’s anode and evolve it at its cathode. The Skyre electrochemical cell stack is comprised of a number of individual cells arranged between two endplates in filter-press fashion. The technique allows hydrogen to be separated from a gas mixture, purified, and/or compressed to high pressure. The proposed program activity will be centered around maturation of the Skyre technology to a cell and stack design that will allow hydrogen compression to 350 bar and scaled throughput of up to one metric ton of hydrogen per day or more. A fully integrated production design for a modular system will be created. In order to increase the cell stack pressure capability several important design factors must be considered. Typically, cells require a certain preload in order for them to close to the outside environment. They then require a force applied to create a sealing load to the endplates. Importantly, when applied, this load must not cause out of specification deflection of the endplates or other components of the cell stack. In addition, it is important to create a seal around the perimeter of the cell. Cell frames are usually used in order to contain the load and these frames must be designed to manage the hoop stress generated by the internal pressure of the electrochemical cell. This typically requires a cell frame having the requisite tensile strength in order to contain the pressure. The final aspect of managing the pressure of an electrochemical cell stack is to assure that the membrane is well-supported so that it can handle the differential pressure created by the operation of the unit. Typically, this is accomplished by placing a strong porous media up against the electrode surface, allowing the membrane to be properly supported and fluids to pass through.

Skyre’s electrochemical hydrogen compressor is being integrated with an electrolyzer and a cryogenic liquefaction plant to produce propellant-grade oxygen and hydrogen to permit vehicle launches from the lunar surface. Skyre’s electrochemical hydrogen separation and compression system is being developed to remove hydrogen from helium used for purging fueling systems at rocket engine test sites. In one variation of helium recovery system, the hydrogen removed from the helium will be compressed and returned to a high pressure hydrogen pipeline.

The customers for Skyre’s 350 bar hydrogen separation and compression system are hydrogen producers, users, intermediates and system suppliers throughout the hydrogen energy value chain. All hydrogen that is produced must be compressed for transport and storage. Hydrogen powered forklifts and busses require compression to 350 bar, as do emerging hydrogen energy storage systems.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.