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Electrochemical Hydrogen Refrigerator
Completed
TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)
Description
The goal is to develop and test a 1 W at 20K Joule-Thomson cryocooler using an electrochemical compressor. A Joule Thomson refrigerator based on electrochemical hydrogen compression (EHC) offers many benefits, including: • Hydrogen has superior refrigerant properties than helium • Hydrogen offers isothermal heat exchanger between 15K -30K • EHC uses DC power, easy to integrate • EHC has no moving parts: low maintenance & easy to fabricate • EHC requires no lubrication, no oil separator systems • EHC architecture has commonality w\\ fuel cells and electrolyzer
Benefits
Develop and test a 1 W at 20K Joule-Thomson cryocooler using an electrochemical compressor. Cryocooler development and integration are both listed as a high priority technology need in TA-14 of the OCT Roadmap. 20K cryocoolers are relevant for multiple applications including zero boil off of chemical and nuclear propellants, liquefaction of ISRU gasses, cooling of IR detectors for science missions and cooling of superconducting cables and magnets.
Details
| Technology area | Thermal Management Systems > Cryogenic Systems > Thermal Conditioning for Sensors, Instruments, Samples, and High-Efficiency Electric Motors |
| Program | Center Innovation Fund: KSC CIF (KSC CIF) |
| Lead organization | Kennedy Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, FL |
| Start date | 2018-03-01 |
| End date | 2019-03-01 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
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.
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