An innovative, integrated oxygen recovery system (IORS) applicable to advanced mission air revitalization will be developed. Within a single assembly, the IORS can electrochemically generate metabolic oxygen (O2) and recover O2 from the space habitat atmosphere via a carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction process. To do these functions, the IORS utilizes a novel, solid-metal-cathode (SMC) water electrolysis unit that simultaneously serves as the Sabatier CO2 reduction reactor. The IORS enables two major life-support systems currently baselined in closed loop air revitalization systems to be combined into one smaller, less complex system. This concept reduces fluidic and electrical interface requirements and eliminates a hydrogen (H2) interface. Furthermore, since the IORS utilizes an SMC, the system can also generate high pressure O2 (i.e., >1,000 psia) for recharging extravehicular-activity O2 bottles. This capability is not available with current baselined or planned technologies. The company will perform a process evaluation on the IORS, which will demonstrate performance and quantifying key system physical characteristics including power, weight, and volume. This evaluation should provide the feasibility results to proceed with Phase II.
Potential Commercial Applications:In addition to potential applications in life support systems of future advanced missions, the IORS process may also be used as part of a military air revitalization system for a defense shelter. Furthermore, due to increasing energy-related concerns, the IORS process may be applied to commercial hydrogenation processes such as CO2 methanation and coal gasification.
