Thermal/Mechanical Aqueous Chlorate Solution Oxygen Generator

During Phase 1 API Engineering LLC demonstrated feasibility of an oxygen source for UUV solid oxide fuel cell power systems using an aqueous chlorate solution for its oxygen storage composition. Twenty subscale breadboard laboratory decomposition tests plus ten product disposal tests provided the key data for feasibility validation, system sizing, and performance analysis. For Phase 2 API is proposing to mature the technology via full scale brassboard and prototype tests in the base period followed by demonstration of operation with a fuel cell in the option period. The innovative thermal/mechanical decomposition approach provides oxygen generation in a low risk and compact system where all inputs/outputs are fluids or gasses. Use of waste heat from a solid oxide fuel cell allows the oxygen generator to achieve greater than 97% efficiency. The integrated fuel cell, fuel reformer, and oxygen generator system is projected to achieve an energy density of>500 W-hr/kg for long duration UUV missions. The room temperature oxygen storage composition makes UUV refueling simple and straight forward for rapid mission turnaround with no need to open any hull joints. The approach is projected to meet required storage, operational, and safety requirements.