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Novel CO2 Removal with Magnetocaloric Pumping Augmentation of Hybrid Paramagnetic Ionic Liquid - SLMs

Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)

Description

This project proposes a radical new approach toward the design and utilization of ionic liquids (ILs) and supported liquid membrane (SLM) architecture to enable a transformational improvement in the reliability and efficiency of spacecraft Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) CO2 removal subsystems. The work proposed herein focuses on the development and refinement of the physical adsorption/desorption mechanisms of IL CO2 removal, and a novel method of augmenting those mechanistic limitations through magnetocaloric pumping-forced convection. By developing technology based on the physisorption and reversible processes of CO2 adsorption in ILs and not chemisorption methods, there is an increased probability of enabling a CO2 removal technology with minimal component degradation pathways and designing a highly reliable Atmosphere Revitalization System (ARS) with a non-volatile, non-consumable and renewable sorbent system.

Benefits

This work will improve upon current state-of-the-art entry guidance methods by developing algorithms that can: Reason about full 6-DOF flight dynamics Generalize to any entry vehicle configuration Rigorously account for uncertainties and disturbances Provide closed-loop performance guarantees Have minimal online computational requirements

Details

Technology areaHuman Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems > Environmental Control and Life Support Systems and Habitation Systems > Atmosphere Revitalization
ProgramSpace Technology Research Grants (STRG)
Lead organizationNorth Carolina A & T State University, Greensboro, NC
Start date2018-10-01
End date2024-03-31

Project contacts

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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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