SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION
PROJECT SUMMARY
Proposal Number:
Project Title:
AN ADVANCED ELETROLYSIS CELL FOR THRUSTER SYSTEMS
Technical Abstract:
Advances are needed to achieve major reductions in the cost of placing and
maintaining payloads in the desired orbit for advanced space military as well as
commercial applications. To meet this need, Giner, Inc. proposes to develop a
unique proton-exchange membrane (PEM) static water electrolysis system for use as
a propulsion system in an advanced satellite orbit maintenance engine. The
proposed hydrogen/oxygen fueled engine, the reactants being generated from water
in a solar-powered electrolyzer, offers many advantages compared to the presently
used hydrazine or monomethyl hydrazine/nitrogen tetroxide fueled rocket engine.
To achieve the high reliability necessary for zero maintenance over 10 years,
the water electrolyzer should have no moving parts. Giner, Inc. proposes to
develop a water electrolyzer whereby water vapor is fed to the electrolysis cell
through use of statically pressurized water chambers having unique self-contained
water vapor transport membranes. By feeding water vapor to the hydrogen cathodes,
the water vapor is automatically controlled with essentially no loss. Waste heat
is removed by conduction to the satellite structure, providing a simple
and reliable system. The key innovation and subject of this Phase I SBIR proposal
is the development of an innovative water vapor transport membrane and its
corresponding integration into a static PEM electrolyzer.
Potential Commercial Applications:
The use of Earth-orbiting satellites for commercial surveillance applications
is increasing and would benefit from an electrolytic H2/O2 fueled orbit
maintenance engine. Alternative applications include 1) oxygen generators for
space and undersea life support, and 2) hydrogen generator for laboratory
chromatographic applications, electrical generator cooling and corrosion control
of piping. Through scale-up, large electrolytic generators for bulk H2 generation
would also be possible.
Name and Address of Offeror:
GINER, INC.
14 Spring Street
Waltham, MA 02154-4497
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) &
Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Programs
Electronic Management System (EMS)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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Updated: Feb. 7, 1996