Mathematical Analysis of a Novel Approach to Maximize Waste Recovery in a Life Support System

McKellar, Michael G. ; Wood, Rick A. ; Stoots, Carl M. ; Mulloth, Lila ; Luna, Bernadette

Idaho National Laboratory

关键词: Life Support Systems;    Wastes;    Water;    Carbon;    Electrolysis;   

DOI  :  10.2172/1009154
RP-ID  :  INL/EXT-11-21041
RP-ID  :  DE-AC07-05ID14517
RP-ID  :  1009154

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

NASA has been evaluating closed-loop atmosphere revitalization architectures carbon dioxide, CO2, reduction technologies. The CO2 and steam, H2O, co-electrolysis process is another option that NASA has investigated. Utilizing recent advances in the fuel cell technology sector, the Idaho National Laboratory, INL, has developed a CO2 and H2O co-electrolysis process to produce oxygen and syngas (carbon monoxide, CO and hydrogen, H2 mixture) for terrestrial (energy production) application. The technology is a combined process that involves steam electrolysis, CO2 electrolysis, and the reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction. Two process models were developed to evaluate novel approaches for waster recovery in a life support system. The first is a model INL co-electrolysis process combined with a methanol production process. The second is the INL co-electrolysis process combined with a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process. For both processes, the overall power increases as the syngas ratio, H2/CO, increases because more water is needed to produce more hydrogen at a set CO2 incoming flow rate. The power for the methanol cases is less than the PSA because heat is available from the methanol reactor to preheat the water and carbon dioxide entering the co-electrolysis process.