Solid Organic Waste Methane Generation for Spacecraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel supply systems for deep space missions are inadequate for long-duration missions due to limited fuel storage capacity and the need for improved fuel generation methods.
Innovation Solution
A system that converts solid organic waste into methane fuel using a combustion reactor, Sabatier reactor, and water electrolyzer, coupled with CO2 scrubbing and recycling, to produce fuel for spacecraft propulsion, while also providing oxygen for life support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional fuel storage systems are used for deep space missions, then fuel supply is sufficient for short-duration missions, but fuel storage capacity becomes inadequate for long-duration missions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the state of fuel from a static stored resource to a dynamically generated resource by changing the chemical state of waste materials through combustion and Sabatier reactions, enabling continuous fuel production throughout the mission duration
Solution Approach 2:
The spacecraft becomes self-sufficient in fuel production by using its own waste materials (solid organic waste and CO2 from cabin air) as feedstocks for the fuel synthesis process, eliminating dependence on Earth-based fuel resupply
2Productivity
If solid organic waste is combusted to produce CO2 and H2O, then fuel precursors are generated, but valuable resources are lost without recycling
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers valuable substances (CO2 and H2O) that would otherwise be discarded from the combustion process, separating them through condensation and absorption, and feeds them back into the fuel synthesis process to sustain continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where combustion products (CO2 and H2O) are captured, processed, and fed back as reactants for the Sabatier reaction, creating a self-sustaining fuel production cycle
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system efficiently generates methane fuel from solid organic waste, reducing reliance on stored fuel and providing a sustainable fuel source for deep space missions, with the added benefit of recycling water and CO2 for continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
A combustion reactor is configured to receive solid organic waste and O2, and to output a combined stream of H2O and CO2
Implementation Method 2
combusting the organic waste with O2 into combustion products including CO2 and H2O
Implementation Method 3
A separator is configured to receive the combined stream of H2O and CO2 from the combustion reactor and to separately output a stream of CO2 and a stream of H2O
Implementation Method 4
A water electrolyzer can be operatively connected to receive H2O from the separator through a water supply line, to output the H2 to the Sabatier Reactor
Implementation Method 5
A Sabatier reactor is operatively connected to receive CO2 from the separator and to receive H2 from an H2 source, and to output CH4
Implementation Method 6
A thermal amine scrubber (TAS) can be configured to receive cabin air that includes CO2 and to output the CO2 scrubbed air to the mixer
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an oxidative combustion reactor configured to receive solid organic waste and O2, and to output a combined stream of H2O and CO2. A separator is configured to receive the combined stream of H2O and CO2 from the combustion reactor and to separately output a stream of CO2 and a stream of H2O. A Sabatier reactor is operatively connected to receive CO2 from the separator and to receive H2 from an H2 source, and to output gaseous CH4.