SBIR Phase II: Modular Oxygen Enrichment Device to Improve Combustion Efficiency

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop an innovative modular oxygen enrichment system. It is accepted that the reduction of cycle time can lead to a concurrent decrease in the mass of a sorptive separation system. However, ultra-rapid-cycle systems invariably create mechanical and physical challenges. Specifically, limiting factors are the operational lifetime of the mechanical components, and the micro diffusion rate of the adsorbent system. This project will remove these limitations by replacing mechanical valves with electro-kinetic pumps, and by utilizing microscale adsorbent structures that radically improve diffusion rates. Conventional air separation units exhibit a poor mass/output ratio, which contributes to high cost. Oxy-air combustion offers the possibility of significant fuel savings and other environmental benefits. The broad impact of this research is not only fuel savings attainable from improved combustion efficiency, but also application to other processes where oxygen is the rate limiting factor. Fuel cells, aquaculture, biomass conversion, and water treatment will also profit from this exportable technology.