Center Innovation Fund: KSC CIF
Micro-scale Plasma Arc Gasification for Waste Treatment and Energy Production, Year 1
Project Description
As NASA continues to develop technology for spaceflight beyond low earth orbit, we must develop the right systems for sustaining human life on a long duration or planetary mission. Plasma arc gasification (PAG) is an energy efficient mechanism of waste management for power generation and synthetic gas (syngas) production. Syngas can be chemically manipulated to create desired gases such as oxygen and methane on long duration missions from mission waste. Syngas can also be used directly to power small thruster engines for propulsion. PAG is a high temperature, high frequency and low volume gas emission system that dissociates organic compounds in a cleaner fashion when compared to current gasification and incineration processes utilized on Earth. PAG has only been used on large scale municipal waste systems and in this project we will demonstrate the feasibility of a micro-scale system to other waste proAs NASA continues to develop technology for spaceflight beyond low earth orbit, we must develop the right systems for sustaining human life on a long duration or planetary mission. Plasma arc gasification (PAG) is an energy efficient mechanism of waste management for power generation and synthetic gas (syngas) production. Syngas can be chemically manipulated to create desired gases such as oxygen and methane on long duration missions from mission waste. Syngas can also be used directly to power small thruster engines for propulsion. PAG is a high temperature, high frequency and low volume gas emission system that dissociates organic compounds in a cleaner fashion when compared to current gasification and incineration processes utilized on Earth. PAG has only been used on large scale municipal waste systems and in this project we will demonstrate the feasibility of a micro-scale system to other waste processing technologies to see if the power, mass and volume is comparable for volume reduction and energy production.
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Anticipated Benefits
This technology would not only create a dynamic shift to waste processing on board space vehicles and space habitats for long duration missions. Also provides a technology for residential, commercial and confined populations to manage their waste and possibly generate energy. Such a technology could eventually create a closed loop sustainability path. Major benefits: •Higher efficiency in reducing logistical waste volume on board vehicle or habitat & potentially produce useful ECLSS gases (water and oxygen) •Requires less feed gas commodities & system hardware than current waste processing technologies that are being investigated for long duration space missions •Would provide the ability to process a vast array of wastes on a long duration mission (i.e. medical, hazardous & food packaging) with a cleaner product stream at higher efficiency •Provide fuel for micro thrusters on deep space mission •Less up mass for future missions with potential energy production
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Project Library
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Kennedy Space Center
(KSC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Kennedy Space Center, Florida |
| Plasma Energy Applied Technology International | Supporting Organization | Industry |
| Co-Funding Partners | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Exploration Capabilities | NASA Program |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Florida
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Illinois
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