Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Helium Recovery System Based on High-Performance Proton Exchange Membranes, Phase I
Project Introduction
This SBIR project aims to develop a helium recovery system based on high-performance proton exchange membranes (PEM). The PEM will be fabricated based on Amsen's existing technology. Membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) will be fabricated using the high-performance PEM. The processing and interfacial microstructure of the MEA will be optimized to minimize electrode overpotentials. Based on the optimized MEA, breadboard cells of the helium recovery system will be built and tested with pre-mixed helium/hydrogen mixtures in laboratory environment or relevant environment. Performance of the new helium recovery system will be contrasted with a baseline system based on the commercial Nafion membranes. The technology readiness level (TRL) by the end of Phase I is expected to be 4-5.
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Anticipated Benefits
The outcome of the innovation has the potential of providing NASA with high-performance helium recovery system showing enhanced power efficiency, helium recovery production rate, and life span of the system. Because of helium shortages and rising prices, cost-effective recovery and reclamation of helium from hydrogen/helium gas mixture is of great economical significance to NASA and to the nation. This technology will find wide applications for helium recovery in many industrial sectors.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amsen Technologies, LLC | Lead Organization | Industry | Tucson, Arizona |
Stennis Space Center
(SSC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Stennis Space Center, Mississippi |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Arizona
-
Mississippi
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Organization:
- Amsen Technologies, LLC
Responsible Program:
- Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
Project Duration
Start: Jun 2015
End: Dec 2015
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 2 |
| Current: | 4 |
| Estimated End: | 4 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX13 Ground, Test, and Surface Systems
- TX13.3 Assembly, Integration and Launch
- TX13.3.3 Launch, Recovery and Reutilization
Target Destination
Mars
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