On-demand novel electrochemical device for wastewater reclamation

As NASA begins to return crews to the lunar surface, new types of environmental control and life support systems challenges have emerged, requiring innovative solutions including the need for new methods to recycle wastewater. This need arises because new mission scenarios are projected to require small water recycling systems that can sustain a limited number of crew for durations ranging from days to several months. For these missions, new wastewater recycling methods are needed with low system complexity, low mass characteristics, and improved reliability. New technologies should function in partial gravity and should be compatible with periods of dormancy followed by a return to full service. During Phase I study we successfully demonstrated the feasibility of novel electrochemical device for wastewater recycling, including both extended urine stabilization and TOC (total organic carbon) reduction of the humidity condensate to below the required level. The new device operates at low temperatures and pressures, eliminates the need for expendables and is uniquely compatible with a fully closed loop life support system. Test results and engineering analysis indicate the device has favorable mass and power consumption characteristics. A key feature of the device is that it is constructed from highly stable electrochemical materials, so the device operates long term without degradation of performance. Results also show that the device can be readily cycled on or off (even for extended dormancy periods) and can be easily scaled as mission requirements evolve. During Phase II, we will develop a prototype capable to address wastewater recycling from urine and humidity condensate, for a four-crew members. The Phase II study will demonstrate the device’s function as both a pre-treatment method and a post-treatment method, with the goal of achieving high efficiency water recovery.

Direct NASA applications of the proposed close-loop, on-demand electrochemical generator is as an important part for water recovery from urine as well as disinfection and TOC reduction in the waste-water processor. Additionally, the resulting aqueous solutions of the versatile green oxidant produced by the on-demand generator could be used in the disinfection of crew contact surfaces in space vehicles and lunar and planet habitats, as well as for heat exchanger biofouling remediation and laundry applications. This proposed technology can provide a on-demand electrochemical generation which would enable greater utilization of a versatile green oxidant in applications ranging from environmental remediation to portable sanitation to decontamination. This technology will be useful to civilian and military first responders, and may also be applied to sterilize medical equipment, and facilitate water treatment in remote locations.

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.

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