Propellant Fueled Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (PropFC-SBIR PH3)

​Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI), in conjunction with our NASA partners, is proposing to develop and demonstrate a TRL-5, air-independent, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack for generating power directly from CH4/LOX propellants and scavenged resources (e.g., in-situ resource utilization) for lunar surface applications​. The design is also suitable for regenerative operation to support the Moon-to-Mars initiative. The effort will address key technology gaps of electrochemically reacting CH4 and LOX to generate electricity (with only CO2 and water as byproducts) for space applications. The proposed approach offers improved performance, reusability, and contamination tolerance for surface operations, as well as fluidcommonality with propellants, scavenged resources, and ISRU gases of interest. The effort will integrate multiple innovative elements,providing a significant adva​ncement in technology maturation with system demonstration, and building upon substantial prior NASAsupport and private sector development with commercial intent. Testing of the deliverable component to meet robustness requirements(e.g. life, thermal cycle/vacuum/vibration tolerance) for space applications will be confirmed. System integration designs will also bevalidated.The effort will address key technology gaps of electrochemically reacting CH4 and LOX to generate electricity (with only CO2 andwater as byproducts) for space applications. Suitability of system operational conditions to support mission requirements will beassessed. The research goal is to develop and advance ISRU technologies which enable acquisition of lunar resources and processinginto mission consumables and develop lunar surface power generation. Our proposal will develop a lunar surface tipping pointtechnology and integrated system capability for demonstration in early lunar payloads for Sustainable Surface Power. Our SOFCminimizes the components required for sustainable power generation directly from propellants or methane obtained from in-situsources, and is preferable over current state-of-the-art systems, which cannot operate directly with CH4. Novel packaging designsfor vacuum and pressurized operation and materials that comply with air-independent operation will be implemented. Our novelsystem and sub-components advance the ability to utilize planetary resources for surface operations while reducing risks for humanexploration. The power generator system architecture includes thermal management and turnkey system integration (e.g., controls,electronics, and packaging) for significant improvements in system robustness and reliability.​​

​The proposed approach offers improved performance, reusability, and contamination tolerance for surface operations, as well as fluid commonality with propellants, scavenged resources, and ISRU gases of interest. The PropFC-SBIR project will develop a SOFC stack for generating power directly from CH4/LOX propellants enabling sustainable surface power for lunar missions. This implementation of SOFC technology will also enable lunar surface power generation and storage capabilities from available lunar resources with focus on power generation.​ Using residual propellants eliminates dedicated tanks for fuel cell system reactants. High temperature solid oxide technology operation compatible with high temperature ISRU processes and tolerant of probable ISRU contaminants. Crygogenic temperature cold soak capability may provide a pre positioned power source for crewed missions.This will help allow and support NASA's mission to establish a human presence on the moon and help with power in situ resource utilization (ISRU) hardware used in space applications. Also this technology will help enabling sustainble surface power for lunar missions.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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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