Bifunctional Regenerative Electrochemical Air Transformation for Human Environments

The proposed Bifunctional Regenerative Electrochemical Air Transformation for Human Environments (BREATHE) for life support and habitation is part of the atmosphere revitalization equipment necessary to provide and maintain a livable environment within the pressurized cabin of crewed spacecraft. Sustainable Innovations (SI) has developed a novel solid state technology for gas compression based on its proven hydrogen concentration, generation and compression technology that we are currently developing for NASA applications. The technology is solid state with no moving parts, silent, electrically and thermally efficient, and scalable and capable of high pressure – routinely as high as 4,500 psi and demonstrated to 12,500 psi. The Phase 1 objective is to develop a proof of concept device and demonstrate the feasibility of the technical approach for a solid state electrochemical CO2 compressor that will also be suitable for other logistically important gases: CO2, O2 and H2. SI will develop high pressure BREATHEsystem architecture, focusing on integrating components and making the electrochemical stack lightweight. In addition to decreasing weight, volume and cost, this will increase reliability and durability.