Windsor-based Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Inc. has won a contract for the initial design of a space-capable combined fuel cell-electrolyzer system, the company announced Wednesday.
The contract is with a commercial space company, which the announcement did not name.
Fuel cells convert chemical energy into electricity and heat. Electrolyzers do the opposite, by converting electrical energy into chemical energy by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. The chemical energy can be used as fuel or converted back to electricity.
Infinity is also working with NASA and other partners to develop hydrogen-oxygen electrochemical systems for space missions.
The initial design could lead to delivery of complete prototype systems and eventual flight systems, the company said.
“We believe these technologies are critical to the strategic interest of the United States in supporting future crewed habitats and transportation systems,” said William F. Smith, CEO and founder of Infinity.
The company, founded in 2002, designs and manufactures air-independent, zero-gravity electrochemical systems for space and underwater applications.
Infinity is currently raising capital to commercialize its product line through an online crowdfunding offering.
