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Bio-Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Removal for Air Revitalization in Exploration Life Support Systems
Completed
TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
Description
An important aspect of the ISS air revitalization system for life support is the removal of carbon dioxide from cabin air and retrieves oxygen from CO2. The current state of art technology for CO2 reduction is Sabatier reaction, which is energy intensive and results in excess CO2. Cambrian Innovation has developed an electromethanogenesis bio-electrochemical system (BES) that is focused on reducing costs associated with CO2 reduction. The two-chambered BES system is designed to operate by producing a reliable stream of O2 while simultaneously bio-electrochemically reducing CO2 to CH4 and H2O. Phase I experiments and analysis will be used to determine whether it will be feasible to develop a cell which can replace the existing Sabatier reactor. Through Phase II and Phase III R&D we hope to develop and test a BES CO2 removal system for potential utilization aboard the ISS or related crewed systems.
Benefits
The proposed electromethanogenesis BES could potentially replace the existing Sabatier reactor in Air Revitalization System with the benefit of higher CO2 removal efficiency and lower power draw.
The proposed system might also find use in other CO2 sequestration applications. For example, combining photo-voltaic (PV) technology, the proposed BES could be applied to converting CO2 directly to natural gas in coal fired power plants which supply readily available CO2.
Details
| Technology area | Human Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems > Environmental Control and Life Support Systems and Habitation Systems > Atmosphere Revitalization |
| Program | Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) |
| Lead organization | Cambrian Innovation, Inc., Boston, MA |
| Start date | 2012-02-13 |
| End date | 2012-08-13 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
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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