Deployable System for Unitized Hydrogen Generation and Compression from Saltwater

Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) proposes to develop and demonstrate simultaneous H2 generation and compression from saltwater using an advanced electrolyzer developed specifically for mobility applications. The innovation is based on a cell architecture informed by novel materials and processing techniques recently developed at PCI and is paired with a simple approach for removing impurities from salt and brackish water and a thermally balanced, efficient, portable system. It offers the capability of also compress the H2 to high pressures. Our design avoids corrosion from exposure to steam and avoids the need for separating H2 from the product or use sweep gases essential for conventional electrolyzers. The advanced electrolyzer can electrochemically compress available H2. The produced H2 can be further compressed via chemical compression if needed. The 5 kg of H2/day electrochemical stack is expected to have a very compact footprint. The goal will be to simultaneously generate 5 kg of H2 per day from saltwater and compress it in a compact, mobile, MIL-SPEC compliant form factor. Successful demonstration of this process intensified electrolyzer in Phase II would be particularly attractive for Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations and meet the mobility, austere, and distributed nature of the U.S. Marine Corps need.