The proposed technology will provide a novel regenerable high capacity physisorptive media storage system capable of accepting CO2 obtained from a compressor system, storing it at a relatively lowered pressure, and desorbing the CO2 on demand at a constant rate. The lower pressure of the system as compared to conventional technologies will have superior advantages in energy savings and reduced system noise. Even more, the lower pressure gas storage vessels and more compact compressor offer to reduce the system mass and volume. Also, extended service life and lower maintenance improves mission flexibility and reduces the need for spares. Overall, the approach offers a safe, compact, quiet, long-lived, and efficient way to compress, store, and deliver gaseous carbon dioxide within an AR subsystem.
NASA spin-off applications include adapting this relatively low pressure gas storage system first to oxygen and other reactant or inert gases. Non-NASA applications include replacing high-pressure gas storage tanks with a lighter, safer, and more reliable low pressure storage solution. The advantages of reduced energy costs and lesser burden on equipment associated with commercial gas compression would be attractive for a number of business concerns that can utilize a lower pressure supply of portable compressed gas. Potential uses would be in hospitals and medical clinics, fire extinguishers, breathing apparatus (rescue and scuba) and some industrial uses including welding.
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