Ultra-Fast Ultrasonic Clothes Washer/Dryer Combination for Moon, Mars and ISS Applications

Ultrasonic Technology Solutions (UTS) is based in Knoxville, Tennessee, and formed as a spin-off start-up from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is proposing to develop an ultra-fastultrasonic washing and dryer combination for space applications. NASAs Life Support and Habitation Systems Focus Area seeks key capabilities and technology solutions that enable extended human presence in deep space and on planetary surfaces such as the moon and Mars, including Orion, ISS, Gateway, Artemis and Human Landing Systems. One of the critical technological gaps listed includes a clothing washer/dryer combination for use on the moon (1/6g) or Mars (1/3g) that can clean up to 4.5kg of cotton, polyester, and wool clothing in less than 7 hours using 50kg machine mass, 0.3m3 external machine volume and 300W electrical power (Note: 101.3kPa habitat pressure may be assumed for prototype development). Through multiple publications, our team demonstrated five times higher drying energy efficiency for clothing (1/5th of the energy input) and two times faster drying rates than state-of-the-art residential clothes dryers. This innovative drying technology was highlighted on over 350 websites, including CNN, BBC, DOE, and the prestigious Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) calendar. The technology also showed strong promise for removing water from liquids and semi-liquid materials such as human feces. The UTS team successfully demonstrated effective fecal drying technology, and NASA is currently in the process of infusion/investment in the technology demonstration in the relevant environment. Under SBIR Phase I, we successfully collected critical data supporting the feasibility and superiority of the proposed clothes combo washer/dryer technology. Under SBIR Phase II, we propose developing a transformative combo washing and drying machine for space applications where the ultrasonic components are the backbone of the technology. Ultrasonic Technology Solutions (UTS) is based in Knoxville, Tennessee, and formed as a spin-off start-up from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is proposing to develop an ultra-fast ultrasonic washing and dryer combination for space applications. Crew clothing currently accounts for ~1/4 of crew supplies for ISS. Significant mission mass and volume reductions can be realized with an integrated crew clothing washing/drying system approach. Similar to the improvement in quality of life on Earth, where technologies such as Electric Lighting, HVAC, Refrigeration, Washer and Dryer Machines, Vacuum and Water Heating provided a tremendous amount of comfort and improved health to human lives in the previous century, improved in human comfort will be essential for the future of space missions. Here, we are proposing to redesign ultrasonic cleaners for space applications and combine them with our patented direct-contact ultrasonic dryers. In the smallest form, the proposed combo washing/dryer machine can have a 38×33cm cross-sectional area and a core technology weight of less than 5 kg Under SBIR Phase II, we propose developing a transformative combo washing and drying machine for space applications where the ultrasonic components are the backbone of the technology. To achieve the above goal, the following objectives need to be met: Objective 1: Through multiple iterations, develop a full-scale prototype of the ultrasonic clothes washing machine that meets or exceeds the proposed performance metrics/ Along with an investigation of the waste water management solutions Objective 2: Through multiple iterations, develop a full-scale prototype of the ultrasonic clothes dryer machine that meets or exceeds the proposed performance metrics Objective 3: Integrating washing and drying into a single process unit prototype Objective 4: The preliminary investigation on ultrasonic washing/drying potential impact on clothes disinfection Objective 5: Estimate the final machine mass, volume, power and form factor, placement, integration to ISS and the annual cost and savings to NASA and layout the next steps At the end of the SBIR Phase II project, we will deliver technologically mature components/subsystems of the ultrasonic clothes washer and dryer that demonstrate performance by meeting all the proposed performance metrics. The deliverable will be in the form of report(s) and performance data. We can also ship the prototype to NASA upon request.

Crew clothing currently accounts for ~1/4 of crew supplies for ISS. Significant mission mass and volume reductions can be realized with an integrated crew clothing washing/drying system approach. UTS efforts to wash and dry clothes with very little energy and water can help achieve this goal by making clothing reusable. One of the direct markets for the proposed tabletop-size ultra-fast clothes washing/dryer product will be student housing, dorms, rental properties, hotels, and hospitals. Also, the system may be used for hotels, beaches, and recreational vehicles. A lot of people who are taking vacations do not have access to in-house clothes washing and dryer. .

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.

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.