Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) proposes to develop and demonstrate simultaneous H2 generation and compression with intermediate-temperature solid-oxide membranes. The innovation is based on a novel cell architecture and materials, and processing techniques recently developed at PCI. Proof of concept testing of the new cell architecture indicated potential to be to be lightweight and presents several advantages over state of the art, including high gravimetric and volumetric power density, simplified stack structure, rapid thermal cycle tolerance for fast start-up and shutdown, more redox tolerant. The multi-functional solid-oxide membrane cell is furthermore capable of operating in fuel cell mode for power generation with high fuel utilization, expected to realize high round trip efficiency. The key innovations that enable this advance are: (i) new cell structure with high DP tolerance (ii) advanced solid oxide membrane materials that operate at intermediate temperatures (iii) novel cell & membrane fabrication process (iv) novel stack design suitable for simultaneous electrolysis and H2 compression. The goal will be to generate high-purity H2 via electrolysis at low energy consumption, and with simultaneous compression to very high pressures. This avoids the need for mechanical pump for compression, sweep gases, or gas separators essential for conventional solid oxide membranes. Anticipated
Benefits: In addition to sustainable, energy-efficient production and compression of hydrogen (without moving parts), other NASA applications include, power generation, regenerative operation and energy storage (as compressed H2), co-electrolysis of steam and CO2 to produce syngas, and oxidative coupling to produce building-block materials for In-Situ Resource Utilization. Targeted non-NASA applications include compact and efficient distributed H2 production, storage, and compression as well as regenerative operation for power generation, via a single system. Synthetic chemicals production with CO2 utilization as well as offsetting renewable energy generation variabilities.
