Novel Process Technologies for Disinfection of Potable Water

KWJ is proposing a microfabricated multichannel ozone source, and will evaluate several designs for efficiency of ozone production in Phase I. The voltage requirements to produce a sustainable plasma discharge in the microchannel depend on the field strength required to cause the electrical breakdown of gas, and can be minimized by reducing the electrode gap as well as by impedance matching to optimize the power transfer to the ozone generation reaction. The proposed innovation combines microplasma ozone generation with a microreactor platform to provide a low energy-cost, highly efficient and compact sterilization system using ambient air for ozone production. Our vision includes efficient, scalable micro-reactors that are safe, need no handling of chemicals, are low power and effective for direct use in NASA applications to disinfect potable water. The design incorporates closed-loop process flows with no chemical handling required by the crew. The technology will produce spin off products to clean air, water, and surfaces for NASA as well as commercial clients.

Improved energy efficiency will open a number of residential and commercial applications: Small-scale water disinfection systems RVs, homes Localized, on-site decontamination and disinfection recycled and waste water Public Pools and spas Residential Pools and spas

NASA Applications: Purification of recovered water Purification of air Surface and utensil Disinfection

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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.