Novel, Vacuum-Regenerable Trace Contaminant Control System for Advanced Spacesuit Applications

Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) proposes a new material paradigm for the Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) based upon its novel adsorbent nanomaterials that have high surface area and can be designed to achieve uniquely-targeted sorbent properties, including increasing affinity to remove specific contaminants, minimizing competitive sorption with water and CO2, and achieving vacuum regeneration without heating. This breakthrough enables a compact, low pressure drop, and vacuum-regenerable TCC device for efficient removal of NH3 and CH2O, thus offering the potential for real-time, on-the-suit sorbent regeneration, reduced logistical burden associated with bed replacement or thermal regeneration, and further volume and weight reduction of the TCCS module. In Phase I, all objectives and proposed tasks were successfully completed to demonstrate proof-of-concept of vacuum-regenerable sorbent materials to permit a compact, efficient TCCS. In Phase II, we will build on Phase I success to develop, fabricate, and demonstrate a compact, low pressure drop, vacuum-regenerable TCCS hardware prototypes for efficient removal of NH3 and CH2O to meet NASA requirements. This effort would be valuable to NASA as it would significantly reduce the current PLSS technical risks and increase mission capability/durability/efficiency while at the same time increasing the TRL of the novel vacuum regenerable TCCS.

Targeted NASA applications will be in advanced spacesuit PLSS with key potential customers include Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Marshall Space Flight Center. This TCCS device will have additional applications in other NASA projects such as spacecraft and ISS atmosphere revitalization or future ISRU concepts for Lunar or Martian bases.

A significant non-NASA application for this technology is in indoor air quality improvement in buildings. Primary applications will be for buildings where Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) or other gaseous air contaminants control is desired, with particular emphasis on new buildings, buildings where occupants claim to suffer from sick building syndrome, and green buildings where HVAC energy costs are a large concern. A primary economic driver of interest will be the ability to reduce and minimize HVAC operating costs for building air in reducing the amount of make-up conditioned outdoor air required. Additional targeted spin-off applications relate to commercial aircraft air purification, where the compact size, low weight, durability, and increased operating time of the sub-systems can bring value, or for military vehicle cabins, such as in aircraft, ships, and submarines.

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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