The International Conference on Tritium Science and Technology is the 14th international conference on tritium science and technology.

Sunday, September 21st – Friday, September 26th, 2025 at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, Canada

This September, Air Squared will join government representatives, scientists, engineers, educators, and policy-makers from around the world at the International Conference on Tritium Science and Technology.

Following more than a decade of enginnering development, Air Squared introduced All-Metal Scroll Technology specifically for tritium processing applications. At Trititum 2025, Air Squared will showcase its latest-generation V14H028A-AC-H tritium scroll vacuum pump, featuring hermetic sealing, all-metallic wetted materials, and a pumping capacity of 15 m³/hr.

Founded in 1980, the International Conference on Tritium Science and Technology has become a premier forum for advancing tritium research. The event fosters meaningful collaboration among scientists and engineers while providing a platform for sharing insights and innovations across diverse areas of tritium science and technology.

Connection Request

Please contact a member of our sales team to arrange a meeting, request a product demonstration, or discuss how oil-free scroll technology can support your tritium processing application.

sales@airsquared.com

Air Squared is proud to announce IATF 16949:2016 certification, a milestone that reflects a commitment to the highest levels of quality and safety, ensuring every product from Air Squared – from scroll compressors for commercial EVs to vacuum pumps for medical devices – meets the rigorous standards demanded by the world’s most innovative OEMs.

Air Squared, the industry leader in oil-free scroll technology, has successfully achieved IATF 16949:2016 certification. Developed by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF), this global standard for quality management incorporates advanced processes pioneered by the automotive industry, including:

Air Squared has established a growing and global footprint in the automotive sector, supplying oil-free scroll solutions across numerous next-generation mobility applications, such as commercial EV air braking and autonomous vehicle sensor cleaning.

“Air Squared is a Tier 1 supplier to some of the largest automotive companies in the world, and this certification shows we’re committed to investing in the best-in-class processes they expect,” said Bryce Shaffer, CEO of Air Squared. “For our customers outside automotive, in medical or aerospace, for example, quality is equally critical, so we’re eager to deliver greater value to them as well.”

IATF 16949:2016 builds on Air Squared’s existing ISO 9001:2015 quality management system and ISO 14001:2015 environmental management system, further demonstrating an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and the highest standard of quality, safety, and reliability.

Tritium 2022 is the 13th international conference on tritium science and technology.

Sunday, October 16th – Friday, October 21st, 2022 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bucharest, Romania

In October 2022, Air Squared will sponsor, participate, and exhibit at Tritium 2022 along with government representatives, scientists, engineers, educators, and policy-makers from around the world. Air Squared will showcase the fifth generation V14H028A-AC-H tritium scroll vacuum pump that features hermetic sealing, all metallic wetted materials, and a pumping capacity of 15 m³/hr.

The International Conference on Tritium Science and Technology continues the long tradition of meetings covering all topics on tritium and was originally founded in 1980 in Dayton, Ohio. The objective of the conference is to provide a forum for an exchange of information on science, technology, engineering, and general experience in safe tritium handling for fusion, fission, pharmaceutical, and other isotopic applications for peaceful uses. Tritium 2022 is intended to attract not only veteran tritium experts but also scientists, engineers and students who are new to the various fields of handling hydrogen isotopes.

Connection Request

Please contact a member of our sales team to arrange a meeting, request a product demonstration, or discuss how oil-free scroll technology can support your tritium processing application.

sales@airsquared.com

Air Squared has been awarded funding through NASA to develop a multiple-stage heat pump with an oil-free spinning scroll compressor.

Long-term human exploration of the Moon planned within the next decade must contend with dramatic temperature shifts on the lunar surface. To support human habitation, future lunar landers will need to regulate astronaut dormitory quarters where the ambient surface temperatures fluctuate from as low as -193 °C to as high as 120 °C. Any thermal control system (TCS) must be compact, lightweight, and able to be transported on a lunar lander. Current methods leverage water to reduce heat rejection temperatures through sublimation, which requires heavy volumes of water, adding to launch payload mass.

Air Squared has proposed a dual-loop TCS, with an outer-loop consisting of a multi-stage, high-lift, isopentane, vapor compression cycle (VCC) heat pump. The heat pump is centered around two spinning scroll compressors, staged for minimal power consumption. Each compressor is capable of high-speed operation, allowing it to provide additional flow and compensate for the other compressor in the event of failure or malfunction. An isopentane VCC additionally reduces resource requirements by supporting higher heat rejection temperatures and allowing the whole system to operate oil-free.

As part of the initial proof of concept phase, Air Squared will design, prototype, and test a lightweight, spinning-scroll compressor that is compatible with HFC refrigerants and operates 100% oil-free.

This material is based upon work supported by a Phase I SBIR award by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under the topic: Spacecraft Thermal Management. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Air Squared will test a vapor-compression refrigeration system onboard a Zero Gravity Corporation parabolic flight to simulate operation in space.

With SBIR Phase II-Extended funding from NASA, Air Squared will continue developing a groundbreaking zero-gravity vapor-compression refrigeration system. A collaboration with Purdue University, Whirlpool Corporation, Johnson Space Center, and the Armstrong Flight Research Center, the award will allow Air Squared to complete the development of an oil-free scroll compressor and test the novel system in microgravity. Informally referred to as the “Space Refrigerator,” the oil-free refrigeration system is intended to provide NASA a viable solution for long-term food storage in space.

The Space Refrigerator uses an oil-free scroll refrigeration compressor that allows for operation in microgravity and zero gravity. Air Squared will demonstrate the complete system onboard four independent parabolic flights over the Gulf of Mexico. To simulate a space environment, each flight will provide twenty instances of microgravity, with each instance lasting approximately fifteen seconds. Purdue, Whirlpool, and Air Squared have established three primary goals for Phase II-Extended effort:

1. Improve compressor efficiency using integrated liquid cooling to the motor and fixed scroll.
2. Verify that system operation is independent of orientation, allowing for use in zero gravity.
3. Achieve Technology Readiness Level 7 by demonstrating the system in microgravity.

This material is based upon work supported by a Phase II-Extended SBIR award by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

The Mars 2020 Perseverance rover features a compact scroll compressor developed by Air Squared for JPL.

Broomfield, CO – After years of development and flight qualification, the P09H026A-BLDC-SH scroll compressor is scheduled for spaceflight on the Mars 2020 mission. Scheduled to launch between July 30th and August 15th, 2020, the Perseverance rover will land in the Jezero Crater in February 2021.

The compact compressor on board the Perseverance rover is part of the Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment (MOXIE), one of seven state-of-the-art scientific instruments for acquiring information about Mars. While the car-sized rover was designed to better understand the geology of Mars and look for signs of ancient life, MOXIE will establish the feasibility of in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), paving the way for future human habitation.

About the size of a car battery, MOXIE will produce O₂ from the Martian atmosphere. While future O₂ generators will need to be roughly one hundred times larger to support human missions, MOXIE will first demonstrate the feasibility of producing O₂ that can be used for propellant and breathing.

As the only moving component in MOXIE, the reliability of the scroll compressor is critical. The P09H026A-BLDC-SH is designed to mechanically collect the Martian atmosphere consisting of 96% CO₂ and boost from 3.5 – 7 torr up to 760 torr. Solid oxide electrolysis separation will then convert the Martian atmosphere into consumable O₂.

After evaluating two-stage and single-stage compressor prototypes, Jet Propulsion Labs (JPL) determined a single-stage orbiting scroll design was preferable to reduce complexity. The single-stage design was then advanced to incorporate patented features that allow for an increased volume ratio with minimal impact on size and weight. Over a three-year period, Air Squared then used on-site atmospheric chambers to extensively test the P09H026A-BLDC-SH and simulate the operating conditions of the harsh Martian environment.

Air Squared is incredibly proud to be at the cutting edge of compressor and vacuum pump development for space exploration and introduce the first space-qualified scroll design.

MOXIE UNIT

The seven scientific instruments in the Mars 2020 rover payload will primarily be used to help scientists investigate signs of past life on Mars. MOXIE, however, will demonstrate technology for future manned missions to the Red Planet.

Through a process called solid oxide electrolysis—think of a fuel cell working in reverse—MOXIE will demonstrate the ability to produce O₂ from CO₂ in the Martian atmosphere. With CO₂ representing approximately 96% of the thin Martian atmosphere, the technology could be used to generate breathable air for astronauts while on Mars and potentially provide fuel for their return journey back to earth.

The MOXIE unit onboard the Mars 2020 rover represents a 1% scale model of the O₂ processing plant required to support human expeditions to Mars. While manned missions will not be possible until at least 2030, MOXIE will provide scientists with invaluable data to design a full-scale Mars In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) facility.

ABOUT AIR SQUARED

Air Squared is the industry leader in oil-free scroll design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple design with fewer moving parts, scroll technology has established itself as a highly efficient, very reliable, cost-effective alternative. Through a growing line of compressor, vacuum pumps, and expanders, Air Squared makes the many advantages of oil-free scroll technology available to OEMs and specialty applications worldwide.

To accelerate the practical application of nuclear fusion energy, Air Squared is investigating various plating solutions to reduce the cost of tritium-compatible scroll vacuum pumps.

Under the topic Development of Functional Materials for Use in Fusion Reactors,Air Squared has been awarded Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) funding through the Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct a tritium containment performance and permeability study. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of using plated aluminum, as an alternative to stainless steel, for compatibility with radioactive tritium.

In 2005, Air Squared began working with Savannah River National Laboratory to design a scroll vacuum pump capable of pumping tritium. Following over a decade of development, All-Metal Series scroll pumps from Air Squared, such as the V14H028A-AC-H, are now the preferred solution for processing radioactive tritium. With no polymer seals, stainless steel construction, hermetic sealing, and only metallic wetted materials, All-Metal Series scroll pumps are designed specifically for pumping radiated gases between tritium evacuation systems and the magnetic fusion chamber.

Stainless steel is currently the only reliable means to contain radioactive tritium in fusion vacuum trains; however, using the material exclusively adds cost to fusion energy projects, as high-grade stainless steel is more expensive than aluminum and more difficult to machine. The use of cheaper plated materials, such as aluminum, could reduce the cost and simplify the commercialization of critical components used in a fusion reactor.

As part of the Phase I effort, Air Squared will study various methods of plating aluminum and their impact on reliability and cost.

This material is based upon work supported by a Phase I SBIR award by the Department of Energy under the topic: Fusion Materials: Development of Functional Materials for Use in Fusion Reactors. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Energy.

Air Squared secures Phase II funding from NASA to fabricate and test a novel spinning scroll boost compressor (SSBC) for next-generation spacesuits.

Broomfield, CO – After successfully completing feasibility testing in 2019, Air Squared has received small business innovation research (SBIR) Phase II funding from NASA to continue the development of its pressure swing adsorption CO₂ and H₂0-removal spinning scroll boost compressor (SSBC).

Following the topic Exploration Portable Life Support System (xPLSS) for deep space and surface missions (H4.01),” the SSBC is being developed as a key component in next-generation extra vehicular mobility unites (xEMU), better known as “spacesuits.” The novel compressor is being designed specifically to handle the Martian atmosphere.

SPINNING SCROLL TECHNOLOGY

In principle, the design of the spinning scroll (also referred to as a “co-rotating scroll”) is very similar to that of the traditional orbiting scroll, as the relative motion between the two scrolls is identical. Pressure and flow are generated the same in both approaches, with the relative motion between the scrolls creating a series of crescent-shaped gas pockets that generate pressure, vacuum, or expansion depending on how the device is being operated.

The primary difference is that the traditional approach of one scroll remaining stationary while the other scroll orbits eccentrically on a fixed path is replaced with two scrolls that rotate in synchronous motion with offset centers of rotation.

The spinning scroll approach reduces componentry, improves efficiency, and allows for higher running speeds. The true rotary motion of the synchronous scrolls eliminates the need for counterweights, allowing for shorter and lighter drive shafts, which, in turn, reduce power consumption, size, and weight. The simplified balancing and a lighter drive configuration also allow for higher obtainable running speeds by a factor of two. As pressure and flow are directly proportional to speed, the spinning scroll design can offer a similar performance with substantial size and weight reduction.

This material is based upon work supported by a Phase II SBIR award by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under the topic: Exploration Portable Life Support System (xPLSS) for Deep Space and Surface Missions (H4.01). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

The Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo is the largest “all-in-one” showcase of the advanced clean vehicles, fuels and technologies driving the future of the transportation sector.

May 3rd – 6th, 2021 at the Long Beach Convention Center

In May 2021, Air Squared will exhibit at the The Advanced Clean Transportation Expo, North America’s largest conference and expo showcasing the real-world application of advanced transportation technologies, drive trains, and clean fuels.

Air Squared will showcase patented liquid-cooled scrolls technology that provides cutting-edge automotive applications the most advanced oil-free compressor solution available. When noise, performance, quality and reliability matter, oil-free scroll technology offers automotive manufacturers an alternative to traditional piston technology.

Air Squared Will Occupy a TBD Booth No. in the Expo Hall

Connection Request

Please contact a member of our sales team to arrange a meeting, request a product demonstration, or discuss how liquid-cooled scroll technology can support your automotive application.

• sales@airsquared.com

Visit Air Squared at Europe’s largest fuel cell exhibition, the Hydrogen + Fuel Cells Group Exhibit at Hannover Messe 2021.

Monday, April 12th – Friday, April 16th, 2021 At The Hannover Fairgrounds, Laatzen, Germany

In April 2021, Air Squared will exhibit alongside over 150 companies and institutions from 25 different countries at Europe’s largest and most important fuel cell exhibition – Hydrogen + Fuel Cells Group Exhibit at Hannover Messse. The Group Exhibit is the one-stop-shop for cutting edge technology: stationary, mobile and portable/micro fuel cell systems, hydrogen production, transport and infrastructure, catalysts, testing, and components.

Air Squared will showcase a full line of Orbital Series scroll compressors and hydrogen recirculation pumps. With quiet, smooth, efficient and 100% oil-free operation in a durable and reliable design, Orbital Series™ scroll compressors are an ideal compressor solution for fuel cell applications.

Air Squared Will Occupy a TBD Booth No. in Expo Hall 27

Connection Request

Please contact a member of our sales team to arrange a meeting, request a product demonstration, or discuss how liquid-cooled scroll technology can support your application.

• sales@airsquared.com

Air Squared has implemented a new Environmental Management System and received ISO 14001:2015 certification in January 2020.

Environmental sustainability requires industry leaders to make smart decisions that demonstrate responsibility and vision. Air Squared takes environmental stewardship seriously and is proud to announce that all research and development, manufacturing, and production facilities received ISO 14001:2015 certification in January 2020.

With annual audits, transparency, documentation, and life cycle analysis, ISO 14001:2015 compliance provides international recognized assurance that Air Squared maintains the highest standards of environmental sustainability for employees, management, and its valued customers. The ISO framework provides clear expectations, internally and externally, while encouraging self-improvement targeted at minimizing Air Squared’s environmental footprint. While ISO environmental management systems were established in 1996, the 2015 standard includes seven specific changes:

1. Environmental management as part of the overall business strategy
2. Leadership in stewardship
3. Environmental protection
4. Environmental performance
5. Life cycle perspective of all resources imported and exported
6. Better communication
7. Digital documentation

By voluntarily implementing an ISO 14001:2015 certified environmental management system, Air Squared will deliver innovative scroll solutions while upholding its responsibility to both our valued clients and the environment.

Low-cost scroll organic Rankine cycle development receives Phase I SBIR funding from the Department of Energy.

Continuing to find innovative solutions for compact, reliable, and cost-competitive scroll technology in automotive applications, Air Squared has been awarded Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) funding for the development of the Low-Cost Scroll Organic Rankine Cycle (LOC-ORC). Under the topic Vehicles: Reduction of Thermal Systems and Friction Losses in Internal Combustion Engines, the LOC-ORC leverages the novel dynamics of spinning scroll expanders to run at higher speeds, increasing flow and ORC power with a reduced footprint. A smaller package requires less material to reduce the base component cost and results in lower weight, mitigating freight penalties. In an industry highly sensitive to variance in cost or weight, the goal of the LOC-ORC development is to increase available auxiliary system electric power by 10% at the cost of a 1% increase in weight, resulting in an overall increase of 9% in fuel economy.

The Phase I effort will focus on the evaluation of a scaled-up 5 kW spinning scroll expander. The expander will build upon the success of a 1 kW spinning scroll expander developed for the ARPA-E GENSETS project. The 5 kW spinning scroll expander will be tested at Air Squared and will utilize an upgraded 11 kW_e ORC test rig that supports higher capacities with a wider temperature and pressure range. The primary goal of the Phase I effort is to characterize the performance of the spinning scroll expander at speeds up to 8,000 RPM.

After performance mapping the expander, Air Squared will consult with leaders in the Class 8 tractor-trailer industry and begin an integrated performance evaluation on 300 kWe (400 hp) diesel engine. Class 8 vehicles (i.e., over 30,000 tons weight) were determined to be the best fit for meaningful waste heat recovery solutions due to their average fuel economy of six miles per gallon and reliance on auxiliary power systems, including HVAC and hoteling usage during overland operations.

Phase I is scheduled for completion in early 2020. Should Phase II funding be awarded, Air Squared will complete fuel economy testing on a full-scale, 30 kW, 1,000 kg LOC-ORC coupled to a 300 kW diesel engine by 2022.

This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Energy.

The US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has awarded Air Squared Phase I SBIR funding for a dry combat submersible (DCS) depressurization feasibility study.

USSOCOM is investigating the achievable possibilities to depressurize dry combat submersible (DCS) hyperbaric spaces while at diving depth. Regulating decompression on ascent following underwater activity significantly decreases the risk of oxygen toxicity, nitrogen narcosis, and decompression sickness. Existing crewed decompression is achieved via surface decompression or staged decompression obligations; however, surface decompression requires supplemental shipboard facilities while staged decompression exposes divers to unpredictable underwater conditions and adds significant time to diving operations. In both cases, considerable time is needed between the completion of dive tasks before crewmembers may undertake further duties, obstructing mission schedules. Introducing a positive displacement scroll decompression pump on a DCS with sufficient capacity would relax the staged decompression obligation and allow the vessel to quickly ascend. The benefit would extend to covert missions requiring deployment at sea, transport at depth, and then rapid ascent in hostile areas minimizing health and mission risks.

Air Squared has received Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) funding for a six-month comparative study on different positive displacement technologies and their feasibility as DCS decompression pumps. Air Squared will assess six different compressors models, spanning four positive displacement technologies, to determine what is feasible from the state-of-the-art. The investigation will define innovative solutions for decompression at depth, with the selected technology to be developed in a Phase II effort.

Twelve performance parameters are targeted by SOCOM for the decompression pump. Air Squared intends to demonstrate its patented, liquid-cooled, oil-free, scroll compressors are best suited for hyperbaric decompression. Providing clean, breathable air to the DCS servicemen and women as directed by SOCOM is best achieved with an oil-free pump.

Phase I studies conclude in the second quarter of 2020 with potential Phase II development to begin in the last quarter of 2020.

This material is based upon work supported by a Phase I SBIR award by the Department of Defense under the subtopic: Depressurization Pump for Dry Submersibles (SOCOM192-002). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Defense.

UPDATE (June 11th, 2020) – Following a successful Phase I SBIR effort, Air Squared has applied for Phase II SBIR funding from USSOCOM.

Air Squared and Purdue University have been awarded Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding to improve available power on naval vessels using waste heat recovery.

Broomfield, CO – Following the successful development of a 1 kW_e spinning scroll expander completed under the GENSETS project, Air Squared and Purdue University have received Phase I STTR funding for the development of the High-Speed Spinning Scroll Expander (HiSSS-e) under the topic: Advanced Power Density Improvements to Electrical Generation Systems.

Designed to capture the exhaust from surface combatant Ship Service Diesel Generator Sets (SSDG), an HiSSS-e organic Rankine cycle (ORC) waste heat recovery (WHR) engine could potentially be powered by two sets of dual-spinning scroll expanders that produce up to 200 kW_e of usable energy. Although the ORC would produce over twice the power of previous engines designed by Air Squared, the novel dual-spinning scroll design supports significantly higher speeds, achieving increased flow and power, while maintaining a minimal footprint.

As part of the Phase I effort, Air Squared has designed, fabricated and tested a 5 kW_e spinning-scroll expander to demonstrate proof of concept. The primary objective was to develop a comprehensive ORC system model and test the scaled-down 5 kW_e expander at speeds up to 8,000 RPM. The goals were to reduce the ORC system size and weight, while simultaneously increasing the available power, using patented spinning-scroll technology. With this success, a significant improvement in power density will help overcome key market obstacles that prevent the adoption of WHR technology in mobile applications.

The project was funded through the fourth quarter of 2019 and resulted in the world’s first and largest spinning scroll expander produced.

About Spinning Scroll Technology

In principle, spinning scroll design (also referred to as a “co-rotating scroll”) is very similar to traditional orbiting scroll design, as the relative motion between the two scrolls is identical. Pressure and flow are generated the same in either approach, with the relative motion between scrolls creating a series of crescent-shaped gas pockets that generate pressure, vacuum, or expansion depending on how the device is being operated.

The primary difference is that the traditional approach of one scroll remaining stationary while the other scroll orbits eccentrically on a fixed path is replaced with two scrolls that simply rotate in synchronous motion with offset centers of rotation.

The spinning scroll approach reduces componentry, improves efficiency, and allows for higher running speeds. The true rotary motion of the synchronous scrolls eliminates the need for counterweights, allowing for shorter and lighter drive shafts, which in turn, reduces power consumption, size, and weight. The simplified balancing and a lighter drive configuration also allow for higher obtainable running speeds by a factor of two. As pressure and flow are directly proportional to speed, a spinning scroll design can offer similar performance, with substantial size and weight reduction.

About Air Squared

Air Squared is the industry leader in scroll expander design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple design with fewer moving parts, scroll technology has established itself as a highly efficient, very reliable, cost-effective alternative to traditional expanders. With a growing line of custom and commercial expanders, Air Squared makes the many advantages of scroll technology available to OEMs worldwide.

This material is based upon work supported by a Phase I STTR award by the US Navy under the topic: Advanced Power Density Improvements to Electrical Generation Systems (N19A-T013). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the US Navy.

SBIR funding through NASA will support the development of a spinning scroll compressor for CO₂ and H₂O removal in next-generation spacesuits.

Broomfield, CO – To meet the demanding specifications of future space exploration, Air Squared has been awarded Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) funding through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for the development of a Spinning Scroll Boost Compressor (SSBC) that can support Exploration Extra Vehicular Mobility units (xEMU) in future Mars missions.

State-of-the-art spacesuits utilize amine swing-bed systems and were initially designed for lunar missions where there is no atmosphere. To handle the partial atmosphere of Mars, next-generation spacesuits will need to use pressure swing adsorption to accommodate the Martian environment. Under the topic Exploration Portable Life Support System (xPLSS) for Deep Space and Surface Missions (H4.01), NASA has solicited pressure swing adsorption components for continuous CO₂ and H₂O removal that can pull vacuum below to 0.1 torr, can achieve outlet tolerances over 15.2 psi_a, and are small enough to deploy in a spacesuit.

Applying patented spinning scroll technology to another space-based application, Air Squared will design the SSBC to operate at speeds over 8,000 RPM. The spinning scroll architecture removes the need for a counterbalance and allows for higher operating speeds than orbiting scroll compressors, crucially reducing size and weight. The SSBC merges the strengths of dynamic and positive displacement compressor (blower) technology by capturing the high-pressure differential of positive displacement compressors without sacrificing high-speed performance.

The Phase I effort will focus on accomplishing three primary goals by Q2 2020:

1. Select a SSBC operating speed that balances size, weight, noise, and vibration
2. Construct a thermal model to estimate SSBC performance and power consumption
3. Finalize SSBC design and solid model

Air Squared is proud to once again support NASA exploration to Mars and beyond while further demonstrating the innovative advantages of spinning scroll technology.

SPINNING SCROLL TECHNOLOGY

In principle, the design of the spinning scroll (also referred to as a “co-rotating scroll”) is very similar to that of the traditional orbiting scroll, as the relative motion between the two scrolls is identical. Pressure and flow are generated the same in both approaches, with the relative motion between the scrolls creating a series of crescent-shaped gas pockets that generate pressure, vacuum, or expansion depending on how the device is being operated.

The primary difference is that the traditional approach of one scroll remaining stationary while the other scroll orbits eccentrically on a fixed path is replaced with two scrolls that rotate in synchronous motion with offset centers of rotation.

The spinning scroll approach reduces componentry, improves efficiency, and allows for higher running speeds. The true rotary motion of the synchronous scrolls eliminates the need for counterweights, allowing for shorter and lighter drive shafts, which, in turn, reduce power consumption, size, and weight. The simplified balancing and a lighter drive configuration also allow for higher obtainable running speeds by a factor of two. As pressure and flow are directly proportional to speed, the spinning scroll design can offer a similar performance with substantial size and weight reduction.

ABOUT AIRSQUARED

Air Squared is the industry leader in oil-free scroll design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple design with fewer moving parts, scroll technology has established itself as a highly efficient, very reliable, cost-effective alternative. Through a growing line of compressors, vacuum pumps, and expanders, Air Squared makes the many advantages of oil-free scroll technology available to OEMs worldwide.

This material is based upon work supported by a Phase I SBIR award by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under the subtopic: Exploration Portable Life Support System (xPLSS) for Deep Space and Surface Missions (H4.01). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

UPDATE (June 11th, 2020) – Following a successful Phase I SBIR effort, Air Squared has been awarded Phase II SBIR funding from NASA and will continue development through 2020.

Air Squared to exhibit in the Summit Technology Showcase at the 2019 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit in Denver, CO USA. The Energy Innovation Summit is the premier event dedicated to transformational energy solutions.

Monday, July 8th – Wednesday, July 10th, 2019 at the Gaylord Rockies Convention Center, Denver, Colorado

In July 2019, Air Squared will exhibit at the 2019 Energy Innovation Summit Technology Showcase in Denver, Colorado. The Technology Showcase highlights recent ARPA-E awardees and a highly selective group of other companies and research organizations. Air Squared will showcase the ARPA-E-funded fully integrated “plug-and-play” micro-organic Rankine cycle (ORC).

The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy’s (ARPA-E) Energy Innovation Summit is the premier event of the year for energy innovators, investors, and influencers. Set for July 8-10, 2019 in Denver, Colorado, this annual conference gathers thousands of experts from government, academia, and industry to advance cutting-edge energy technologies. The 3-day program features inspiring keynotes, practical seminars, a technology showcase with 300+ innovative technologies, and targeted networking opportunities.

ARPA-E is an innovative and collaborative program within the U.S. Department of Energy that brings together America’s brightest scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to support transformational energy technologies through funding, technical assistance, and market readiness.

ARPA-E chose to move 2019 Summit to Denver to take advantage of all the energy work happening in the western states. Denver is an energy innovation—home to a thriving and collaborative community of technology investors and entrepreneurs.

Air Squared will occupy Booth No. 211

Tritium 2019 is the 12th international conference on tritium science and technology.

Monday, April 22 – Friday, April 26, 2019 at the Haeundae Grand Hotel in Busan, Korea

In April 2019, Air Squared will sponsor, participate, and exhibit at Tritium 2019 along with government representatives, scientists, engineers, educators, and policy-makers from around the world. Air Squared will showcase the fourth generation V14H028A-AC-H tritium scroll vacuum pump that features stainless steel construction, hermetic sealing, all metallic wetted materials, and a pumping capacity of 15 m3/hr.

The 12th International Conference on Tritium Science and Technology continues the long tradition of meetings covering all topics on tritium and was originally founded in 1980 in Dayton, Ohio. The objective of the conference is to provide a forum for an exchange of information on science, technology, engineering, and general experience in safe tritium handling for fusion, fission, pharmaceutical, and other isotopic applications for peaceful uses. Tritium 2019 is intended to attract not only veteran tritium experts but also scientists, engineers and students who are new to the various fields of handling hydrogen isotopes.

Connection Request

Please contact a member of our sales team to arrange a meeting, request a product demonstration, or discuss how oil-free scroll technology can support your tritium processing application.

• sales@airsquared.com

The ARPA-E INTEGRATE program has awarded a four-organization team, including Air Squared, funding to develop an innovative 125 kW_e distributive power system.

Broomfield, CO – A collaboration between Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University, Kohler Power Systems, and Air Squared, has been awarded $3 million in funding from the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) to develop a novel hybrid power generation system. Led by Professor Rob Braun at Colorado School of Mines, the team is one of eight awarded funding by the Innovative Natural-Gas Technologies for Efficiency Gain in Reliable and Affordable Thermochemical Electricity-Generation (INTEGRATE) program. The INTEGRATE program has the stated goal of developing a 125 kW_e, 70% efficient, distributive energy solution that costs under $760/kW installed.

The four-organization team aims to demonstrate that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, with each partner contributing innovative componentry that reflects a unique core competency:

1. Colorado School of Mines will develop a robust, pressurized, and flexible steel solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), in partnership with Ceres Power, that provides primary electricity generation.
2. Air Squared will develop an anode recirculation scroll compressor that delivers a reliable and plentiful supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell stack, as well as an integrated scroll compressor-expander for waste heat recovery that provides additional power to the entire system, increasing overall efficiency and improving the overall balance of plant.
3. Colorado State University will develop an innovative natural gas-powered internal combustion engine in partnership with Kohler Power Systems.
4. Kohler Power Systems will, in addition to the reciprocating internal combustion engine, develop a high-efficiency, low-cost inverter and provide commercialization support.

The synergistic approach hopes to encourage the adoption of modular, scalable microgrids for residential, commercial, and industrial use, while encouraging planning of diverse alternative energy sources that work in unison. The project begins in 2019 with the development of a 30 kW_e prototype that can be scaled to 125 kW_e by 2022.

About Integrated Scroll Compressor-Expander Technology

With patented integrated scroll compressor-expander technology from Air Squared, the scroll compressor and expander operate on a common shaft, allowing a single semi-hermetic shell to be used for all rotating components. The work recovered by the expander is directly transmitted to the compressor, significantly improving efficiency. The integration of the compressor and expander not only makes the system more compact but also requires fewer components (e.g., bearings, generator), which in turn reduces system weight and improves reliability.

About Air Squared

Air Squared is the industry leader in oil-free scroll design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple design with fewer moving parts, scroll technology has established itself as a highly efficient, very reliable, cost-effective alternative. Through a growing line of compressors, vacuum pumps, and expanders, Air Squared makes the many advantages of oil-free scroll technology available to OEMs worldwide.

This material is based upon work supported by the ARPA-E INTEGRATE Program. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Energy or ARPA-E.

Air Squared is exhibiting at MEDICA, the world’s largest event for the medical sector, in Düsseldorf, Germany. Visit Stand No. A16 In Hall 16 to learn more about oil-free scroll technology for medical applications.

Monday, November 12th – Thursday, November 15th, 2018 in Düsseldorf, Germany

In November 2018, Air Squared will exhibit alongside over 5,100 companies and institutions from 70 different countries, showcasing a line of quiet, oil-free scroll compressors and vacuum pumps for medical devices at MEDICA 2018, the world’s largest event for the medical sector

Air Squared Will Occupy Stand No. A16 In Hall 16

Connection Request

Air Squared will occupy Stand No. A16 In Hall 16. Please contact a member of our sales team to arrange a meeting, request a product demonstration, or discuss how oil-free scroll technology can support your medical application.

• sales@airsquared.com

Air Squared will develop a first-of-its-kind large-scale, liquid-cooled, all-metal (LCAM) vacuum pump compatible with virtually any working fluid with Phase II SBIR funding from the Department of Energy (DOE).

Following a success Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) effort to develop a small-scale (15 m³/hr) liquid-cooled, all-metal (LCAM) scroll vacuum pump compatible with radioactive Tritium, the Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded Air Squared Phase II funding to develop a full-scale (150 m³/hr) LCAM scroll vacuum pump by 2020. The award is funded under the topic Advanced Technologies and Materials for Fusion Energy Systems

Development of the full-scale LCAM will benefit from years of collaboration with various organizations that process radioactive tritium. If successful, the full-scale LCAM vacuum pump could support research institutes around the world (e.g., multi-national partnerships like JET, ITER, and DEMO) that are actively searching for a tritium-compatible pump with 150 m³/hr pumping capacity.

Air Squared has spent years researching and developing scroll vacuum pumps compatible with radioactive tritium:

Four key technology innovations set the 150 m³/hr LCAM apart from state-of-the-art radioactive gas-handling pumps:

The LCAM will be designed to initiate a rough vacuum of tritium radioactive gas as it proceeds along an ever-larger vacuum train into a magnetic fusion chamber at high speeds to create a fusion reaction. This magnetic containment approach is fundamental to the tokamak reactor under research at the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and is the leading means to achieve sustained nuclear fusion. Development will continue through 2020 at Air Squared and if successful, testing will be conducted at various institutions.

This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Energy.

Air Squared has been awarded a Phase I SBIR from the US Navy to develop a Seawater-Flooded Scroll Compressor with Tribrid Power system (SFSC-TP) for decompressing distressed submarines.

Broomfield, CO – Air Squared has received Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding to develop a Seawater-Flooded Scroll Compressor with Tribrid Power System (SFSC-TP) from the US Navy. Funded under topic N181-047: Decompression of Atmosphere Onboard Distressed Submarine, the US Navy is challenging businesses to reduce the internal atmospheric pressure of a Distressed Submarine (DISSUB) without using the vessel’s electrical power

High-pressure emergency scenarios occur in distressed submarines that impede rescue missions as submarine crewmembers experience oxygen toxicity, nitrogen narcosis, and decompression sickness as atmospheric pressure builds up inside submarine compartments. The SFSC-TP is designed to reduce or eliminate these symptoms and improve survival by integrating a scroll compressor, expander, and turbine configuration. High-pressure seawater, available compressed air, and a self-contained battery pack provided the SFSC-TP with tribrid power that ensures reliable operations in high-pressure emergencies.

The key component of the SFSC-TP is the seawater-flooded scroll compressor that regulates how much power is required to decompress crew compartments to standard atmosphere (ATM). Engineered to control decompression from 5 atm to 1 atm, the scroll will compress the internal atmosphere and discharge it externally from the submarine. A semi-hermetic scroll expander supplies power via onboard compressed air, providing improved efficiency at shallow depths. At deeper depths, a scroll hydro-turbine uses seawater to supply power as the higher external pressure lowers the efficiency of the expander. The self-contained battery will supplement the difference in power needs regardless of depth, making the whole system tribrid redundant.

System design and modeling will continue through December 2018. If successful, a Phase II effort to prototype the system will begin in 2019.

ABOUT AIRSQUARED

Air Squared is the industry leader in oil-free scroll design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple design with fewer moving parts, scroll technology has established itself as a highly efficient, very reliable, cost-effective alternative. Through a growing line of compressors, vacuum pumps, and expanders, Air Squared makes the many advantages of oil-free scroll technology available to OEMs worldwide.

This material is based upon work supported by a Phase I SBIR award by the US Navy under the topic: Decompression of Atmosphere Onboard Distressed Submarine (N181-047). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the US Navy.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has continued funding Air Squared through 2020 to develop an innovative CryoScroll™ Cryogenic Spinning Scroll Pump (CSSP).

Air Squared is proud to announce the continued development of the world’s first cryogenic spinning scroll pump for liquid methane and oxygen spacecraft fuel systems. The Cryogenic Spinning Scroll Pump (CSSP) is the latest iteration of Air Squared’s CryoScroll™ technology designed to meet the size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints of liquid methane-fueled spacecraft propulsion. Engineered to be scalable, a single CSSP can operate from 1,000 to 8,000 RPM alone or in series, allowing adaptability over reaction control system (RCS) and main propulsion applications. Reduced SWaP, scalable design, and demonstrating the world’s first cryogenic spinning scroll design, the CSSP showcases Air Squared’s technological sophistication in pioneering aerospace technology.

Pumping cryogenic liquids present a plethora of engineering challenges. The pump must handle two-phase working fluid as both a liquid and a gas. Reducing SWaP requirements are paramount in an industry where it costs over $10,000 for every pound of material sent into space. Equally as important is reliability over long-term space missions where maintenance may be difficult. Alternative solutions like turbopumps are compact and lightweight, but the rapid changes in media density cause the turbine blades to fail, inhibiting their ability to handle two-phase cryogenic fuel. Reciprocating and rotary pumps have less difficulty handling two-phase media, but necessary high-capacity high-load bearings make them prohibitively bulky and oversized for space. Where failure is not an option, simplicity in design is essential and any extraneous componentry reduces the available payload for the rest of the spacecraft.

The CSSP solves these complex techno-economic problems by combining the benefits of both turbo and positive displacement pumps with Air Squared’s innovative spinning CryoScroll™. Fundamentally a positive displacement pump, the CSSP can deliver high pressures with minimal reduction in flow and pump saturated two-phase liquid. By design, the CSSP may be linked in series, multiplying the delivery pressure of cryogenic liquid fuel to the RCS or spacecraft propulsion rockets. Its spinning, co-rotating scrolls eliminate extraneous balancing components and reduce its SWaP footprint. Air Squared is excited to develop the CSSP in support of NASA’s liquid methane propulsion mission and develop the world’s first CryoScroll™ spinning scroll cryogenic pump.

SPINNING SCROLL TECHNOLOGY

In principle, the design of the spinning scroll (also referred to as a “co-rotating scroll”) is very similar to that of the traditional orbiting scroll, as the relative motion between the two scrolls is identical. Pressure and flow are generated the same in both approaches, with the relative motion between the scrolls creating a series of crescent-shaped gas pockets that generate pressure, vacuum, or expansion depending on how the device is being operated.

The primary difference is that the traditional approach of one scroll remaining stationary while the other scroll orbits eccentrically on a fixed path is replaced with two scrolls that rotate in synchronous motion with offset centers of rotation.

The spinning scroll approach reduces componentry, improves efficiency, and allows for higher running speeds. The true rotary motion of the synchronous scrolls eliminates the need for counterweights, allowing for shorter and lighter drive shafts, which, in turn, reduce power consumption, size, and weight. The simplified balancing and a lighter drive configuration also allow for higher obtainable running speeds by a factor of two. As pressure and flow are directly proportional to speed, the spinning scroll design can offer a similar performance with substantial size and weight reduction.

ABOUT AIRSQUARED

Air Squared is the industry leader in oil-free scroll design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple design with fewer moving parts, scroll technology has established itself as a highly efficient, very reliable, cost-effective alternative. Through a growing line of compressors, vacuum pumps, and expanders, Air Squared makes the many advantages of oil-free scroll technology available to OEMs worldwide.

This material is based upon work supported by a Phase II SBIR award by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under the topic: Methane In-Space Propulsion (Z10.02). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

To investigate using mechanical CO₂ in the Mars environment, Air Squared will use Phase II SBIR funding to develop a Martian Atmosphere Scroll Compressor (MASC).

Broomfield, CO — The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has awarded Air Squared Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding to further develop its technology for In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) processes by collecting, separating, pressurizing, or processing gasses from the Mars atmosphere. The award follows a Phase I SBIR award where Air Squared developed two Martian Atmosphere Scroll Compressor (MASC) prototypes, as well as work by Air Squared on the Mars Oxygen ISRU Experiment (MOXIE), which will send an Air Squared scroll compressor to Mars on the 2020 rover mission.

Dealing with the low pressures of the Martian atmosphere, the MASC will function like a vacuum pump by utilizing Air Squared scroll compressor technology. The MASC will have substantial advancement over state-of-the-art positive displacement mechanical compression technologies in size, weight, and power (SWaP), and will operate at a much lower speed than high-speed turbo-compressors thereby increasing reliability. Additionally, the MASC has a high tolerance for dust (particulate below 50μm), robustness to harsh environments, and includes an integrated filter on the suction to remove dust and particulate before entering the compressor. The MASC only requires electric power (not thermal) and will utilize near-adiabatic compression to maintain high discharge temperature.

With Phase II SBIR funding from NASA, Air Squared will pursue three MASC prototypes and investigate the scalability and reliability of mechanical compression over 10,000 hours of autonomous operation in the Mars environment. All three prototypes will be designed, fabricated, and tested using a closed-loop performance and endurance test stand. After all three prototypes have been evaluated for SWaP and reliability, one will be chosen for further optimization, as well as additional environmental, thermal, shock and vibration testing.

ABOUT AIRSQUARED

Air Squared is the industry leader in oil-free scroll design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple design with fewer moving parts, scroll technology has established itself as a highly efficient, very reliable, cost-effective alternative. Through a growing line of compressors, vacuum pumps, and expanders, Air Squared makes the many advantages of oil-free scroll technology available to OEMs worldwide.

This material is based upon work supported by a Phase II SBIR award by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under the topic: Mars Atmosphere Acquisition, Separation, and Conditioning for ISRU (H1.01). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Air Squared has been awarded Phase II Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) funding from NASA to continue development of a Zero-Gravity Vapor-Compression Refrigerator (ZVCR) for space-bound food storage.

Broomfield, CO –Air Squared is one step closer towards developing another innovation for the commercial space industry with Phase II Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) funding for a Zero-Gravity Vapor-Compression Refrigerator (ZVCR) from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The Phase II SBIR award will allow Air Squared to fabricate and test a full-scale prototype in 2019 and a second generation prototype in 2020.

The award follows a solicitation by NASA a Phase I SBIR award to increase cold-storage volume without compromising efficiency. State-of-the-art systems on the International Space Station (ISS) have a coefficient of performance (COP) of 0.36. The ZVCR increases cold storage volume while maximizing overall efficiency, allowing for terrestrial cold-storage efficiencies in zero-gravity.

The primary goal of the Phase II effort is to demonstrate a full-scale prototype ZVCR that meets or exceeds a COP of 3.5. While vapor-compression cold-storage is typical of modern refrigerators, incorporating three scroll technology innovations from Air Squared could make the ZVCR an ideal solution for space-bound systems:

1. Oil-free scroll technology
2. Multi-stage scroll technology
3. Integrated scroll compressor and expander for expansion work recovery

Along with increasing the technology readiness level of the integrated scroll compressor and expander, the Phase II effort will help Air Squared further engineering heritage of scroll-based vapor-compression and thermal systems, allowing for additional terrestrial and space-bound applications in the future. Air Squared will partner with Herrick Labs at Purdue University throughout the effort and apply their extensive research in refrigeration systems to the ZVCR.

If the effort is successful, the next potential destination for the ZVCR is onboard the ISS for further testing at the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS).

About Integrated Scroll Compressor-Expander Technology

With patented integrated scroll compressor-expander technology from Air Squared, the scroll compressor and expander operate on a common shaft, allowing a single semi-hermetic shell to be used for all rotating components. The work recovered by the expander can be directly transmitted to the compressor, significantly improving efficiency. The integration of the compressor and expander not only makes the system more compact but also requires fewer components, (e.g., bearings, generator), which in turn reduces system weight and improves reliability.

About Multi-Stage Scroll Technology

The purpose of the multi-stage scroll technology is to help reduce the overall footprint of the device, while providing the same performance, or better, of a single-stage device. Multi-stage technology can be configured to run in series, parallel, or both within the same unit.

The primary benefit of multi-stage scroll technology is that the device has the same number of moving parts as a traditional single-stage design. This is accomplished by machining an additional involute on the back side of the orbiting scroll and adding a mating scroll on the housing.

About Air Squared

Air Squared is the industry leader in oil-free scroll design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple design with fewer moving parts, scroll technology has established itself as a highly efficient, very reliable, cost-effective alternative. Through a growing line of compressors, vacuum pumps, and expanders, Air Squared makes the many advantages of oil-free scroll technology available to OEMs worldwide.

This material is based upon work supported by a Phase II SBIR award by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under the subtopic: Logistics Reduction (H3.04). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

The Plug and Play Micro-ORC is a 1 kW waste heat recovery system from Air Squared that provides on-site, emission-free, power generation at home or business.

Broomfield, CO — Air Squared is developing a fully integrated micro-organic Rankine cycle (ORC), patent pending, for passive power generation. The Plug and Play Micro-ORC is optimized for tandem operation with prevailing continuous load natural gas generators, such as natural gas-powered combined heat and power gensets. Designed for simple home or business integration, the Plug and Play Micro-ORC is slated to produce 1 kW of electrical power, increase topping cycle efficiency by 10%, cost around $3,000 US, and remain maintenance free over 10,000 hours. The system is intended to leverage the benefits of traditional industrial-scale ORC plants for micro-scale power generation, where 1 kW of emission-free, passive energy can support residential homes and businesses.

The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) as part of the GENSETS program, which seeks to foster distributive energy solutions in the United States by supporting aging centralized power generation and integrating homes and business into the smart grid. The project has now moved into Phase II of development where Air Squared will prototype and test the Plug and Play Micro-ORCE throughout 2018.

A compact and efficient orbiting and novel spinning scroll expander are the primary drivers of the ORC, allowing the entire system to have a footprint of less than one cubic meter. Air Squared has over twenty-five years of design heritage with scroll technology and has designed custom expanders for waste heat recovery systems up to 50 kW. While the proof of concept Plug and Play Micro-ORC is rated for 1 kW, Air Squared expects the system will demonstrate significant size, weight, and power improvements, which will encourage interest for scroll expander engines in scaled waste energy recovery systems.

ORCs are engines that exploit organic fluids with a higher molecular mass but a lower boiling point than traditional steam. The working fluid is pumped through a closed loop to drive an expander that generates continuous load electricity. Waste heat recovery using ORC systems could play an essential role in expanding the renewable energy landscape by providing emissions-free electricity that is unconstrained by location-specific environmental conditions.

Micro-scale and small-scale power generation systems generally follow an inverse cost-to-output curve – 1 kW systems are approximately $10,000 per kW installed, 10 kW systems are approximately $3,000 per kW installed, and 30 kW systems are approximately $1,500 per kW installed. The Plug and Play Micro-ORC is expected to bring micro-scale power generation on par with small-scale power generation by cutting the cost per kW installed in half. At an estimated price of $3,000 in volume production, the Plug and Play Micro-ORC has a pay-back period of just under three years.

About Spinning Scroll Technology

In principle, spinning scroll design (also referred to as a “co-rotating scroll”) is very similar to traditional orbiting scroll design, as the relative motion between the two scrolls is identical. Pressure and flow are generated the same in either approach, with the relative motion between scrolls creating a series of crescent-shaped gas pockets that generate pressure, vacuum, or expansion depending on how the device is being operated.

The primary difference is that the traditional approach of one scroll remaining stationary while the other scroll orbits eccentrically on a fixed path is replaced with two scrolls that simply rotate in synchronous motion with offset centers of rotation.

The spinning scroll approach reduces componentry, improves efficiency, and allows for higher running speeds. The true rotary motion of the synchronous scrolls eliminates the need for counterweights, allowing for shorter and lighter drive shafts, which in turn, reduces power consumption, size, and weight. The simplified balancing and a lighter drive configuration also allow for higher obtainable running speeds by a factor of two. As pressure and flow are directly proportional to speed, a spinning scroll design can offer similar performance, with substantial size and weight reduction.

About Air Squared

Air Squared is the industry leader in scroll expander design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple design with fewer moving parts, scroll technology has established itself as a highly efficient, very reliable, cost-effective alternative to traditional expanders. With a growing line of custom and commercial expanders, Air Squared makes the may advantages of scroll technology available to OEMs worldwide.

This material is based upon work supported by the ARPA-E GENSETS Program. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Energy or ARPA-E.

ARPA-E funds scroll development to optimize cost, opening dozens of markets previously too cost-sensitive to consider scroll technology.

Broomfield, CO — With support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Air Squared is developing low-cost scroll technology that opens up markets previously too cost-sensitive to justify the advantages of oil-free scroll compressors and vacuum pumps. The Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) requires a very specific low-cost natural gas compressor as part of the GENSETS Program, but the cost breakthrough can be applied to Air Squared’s commercial product line as well. ARPA-E and Air Squared will both benefit from the availability of a low-cost natural gas compressor, but Air Squared will also benefit from the low-cost product line that evolves from the development.

Natural gas compressors are commercially available, but ARPA-E has aggressive cost targets to support GENSET commercialization. The ultimate price goal for the low-cost natural gas pump is under $100 in production. The specification is manageable, but the added complexity of pumping a combustible fluid (i.e. natural gas) makes the cost target even more challenging. Combustible fluid pumping typically requires isolating the motor from the working fluid. Magnetic couplings have been successful in previous Air Squared designs, but they are cost-prohibitive for this application. As part of the project, canned motors, shaft seals, and total enclosures will be investigated.

Design Specifications

Oil-free scroll compressors are historically more expensive than other technologies because they require very tight machining tolerances. Without lubrication, maintaining the necessary clearance between involute walls is critical and precision machining is required. Additionally, the tolerances of other components must be managed with similar attention, as tolerances of driving components are additive (e.g. motor shaft, crankshaft, idler shafts). Quality control of these components also adds cost to the manufacturing process.

The project will be broken up into three phases that each last approximately six months. Individual phases will target specific components or processes for cost reduction. Each phase will include:

1. A thorough review of the manufacturing processes
2. A comprehensive study of alternative manufacturing processes
3. Design for manufacturing evaluation

Much of the manufacturing technology that results from the project can be applied to other Air Squared products, resulting in a total cost overhaul of oil-free scroll technology. Soon the advantages of oil-free scroll technology – reduced noise, smooth operation, efficiency, reliability, long life, light weight, compact size – will be available at prices comparable to competing technology, such as piston and diaphragm. This also allows scroll technology to be adopted in applications that benefit from inherent advantages but are too cost-sensitive for the previous scroll designs. Several medical device applications, where the patient bears the cost burden, were previously out of reach, but can now benefit from the ultra-low noise and smooth operation of a low-cost scroll compressor or vacuum pump.

About Air Squared

Air Squared is the industry leader in oil-free scroll design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple design with fewer moving parts, scroll technology has established itself as a highly efficient, very reliable, cost-effective alternative. Through a growing line of compressors, vacuum pumps, and expanders, Air Squared makes the many advantages of oil-free scroll technology available to OEMs worldwide.

This material is based upon work supported by the ARPA-E GENSETS Program. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Energy or ARPA-E.

UPDATE (Septemeber 1st, 2017) – Phase I was a success, as the first-generation design met performance and cost targets and all project milestones. The next round of cost reductions will be implemented and tested during Phase II. The project is on track to meet the ultimate performance and cost targets by the end of Phase III.

The DOE has agreed to support the development of a liquid-cooled, all-metal scroll pump, with the ultimate goal of procuring a 150 m³/hr pumping capacity tritium pump.

Broomfield, CO — Air Squared has been awarded Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding through the US Department of Energy (DOE) under the topic Advanced Technologies and Materials for Fusion Energy Systems. The development is a continuation of an Air Squared internal development that resulted in an air-cooled, all-metal scroll pump with 15 m³/hr pumping capacity. The pump is compatible with virtually any working fluid on the planet, and through a partnership with Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the pump will be tested using tritium at Tritium Laboratory Karlsruhe (TLK) in late-2017.

Air Squared has recognized a global need for an increased capacity pump that is capable of handling corrosive and radioactive gases such as tritium. Several companies and research institutes around the world (e.g. multi-national partnerships like JET, ITER, and DEMO) are actively searching for a tritium-compatible pump with 150 m³/hr pumping capacity, but significant technical challenges prevent Air Squared from simply scaling the current 15 m³/hr design to 150 m³/hr.

To avoid fluid compatibility concerns the all-metal scroll design has no tip seals between scroll involutes. Alternatively, involute tips are precision machined using state-of-the-art processes at Air Squared, resulting in running clearances between the scroll components that are as tight as currently feasible. With close clearance between involutes, thermal expansion of the involute material (i.e. stainless steel) becomes a significant concern. As the small-scale 15 m³/hr pump is already at the limit of air cooling effectiveness, a larger pump design will require a unique thermal management system. To solve this challenge, Air Squared intends to integrate a novel liquid cooling system in the 150 m³/hr capacity pump.

During Phase I, Air Squared will implement liquid cooling into the existing small-scale 15m³/hr design. The prototype should demonstrate improved performance over the air-cooled design, as liquid cooling allows for tighter running clearances that reduce leakage and improve efficiency. If successful, Air Squared will develop and prototype a full-scale 150 m³/hr pump as part of a Phase II effort.

About Air Squared

Air Squared is the industry leader in oil-free scroll design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple design with fewer moving parts, scroll technology has established itself as a highly efficient, very reliable, cost-effective alternative. Through a growing line of compressors, vacuum pumps, and expanders, Air Squared makes the many advantages of oil-free scroll technology available to OEMs worldwide.

This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy under SBIR Solicitation Number DE-FOA-0001417. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Energy.

UPDATE (October 10th, 2018) – After a successful Phase I effort, Air Squared was awarded Phase II SBIR funding to continue development. The Phase II effort will focus on development of a large-scale LCAM vacuum pump with 150 m³/hr pumping capacity and will be complete by 2020.

Air Squared will develop an innovative and versatile cryogenic spinning scroll pump (CSSP) for in-space propulsion that is capable of pumping two-phase methane or oxygen over a wide range of speeds (1,000-8,000 RPM) and differential pressures, while maintaining high reliability and a compact footprint.

Broomfield, CO — Air Squared first applied its experience with scroll technology to cryogenic fluids with the development of the “World’s First Small-Scale Positive Displacement Cryogenic Pump” in 2014. Air Squared had identified cryogenic pumping technology as an area where the state-of-the-art could be challenged by an innovative solution derived from their long history of engineering custom scroll solutions for unique fluids. “Our primary goal with that first cryogenic scroll prototype was simply demonstrating feasibility, to show it’s possible,” says Bryce Shaffer, Chief Technology Officer at Air Squared. “We try to find areas where no one has tried anything new in a long time, then imagine a way scroll technology could challenge the status quo.”

While the initial prototype developed in 2014 was ultimately unable to demonstrate feasibility, a next generation cryogenic scroll pump developed for the Department of Energy (DOE) did. Using what Air Squared is now calling “CryoScroll™” technology, in early 2017 Air Squared demonstrated a positive displacement scroll pump that could pump multi-phase cryogenic liquid argon with a differential pressure of 50 psig at speeds around 1,000 RPM.

Air Squared is now looking to the aerospace industry to apply its CryoScroll technology. There are currently two vastly different technology options for pumping cryogenic fluids. The first option, and most common, is centrifugal or axial flow turbopumps. While turbopumps are compact and lightweight, high-speed operation limits life and makes handling two-phase flow difficult. The second option is positive displacement technology, which cannot achieve speeds over 3,000 RPM without bulky and high-load capability bearings, making positive displacement pumps larger, and consequently, less desirable for aerospace applications. A compact, reliable, and lightweight pump for cryogenic liquids currently does not exist, presenting a problem for the aerospace industry.

With Phase I SBIR funding from NASA, Air Squared will develop an efficient, compact, lightweight, reliable, electric-driven, cryogenic spinning scroll pump (CSSP) that is capable of pumping cryogenic liquid methane or oxygen. The CSSP will apply the same CryoScroll™ technology demonstrated for the DOE, but will have a spinning scroll configuration rather than a traditional orbiting scroll configuration. Spinning scroll technology is capable of operating much higher speeds (up to 8,000 RPM), allowing for a compact and lightweight cryogenic pump that does not sacrifice reliability or two-phase flow handling.

SPINNING SCROLL TECHNOLOGY

In principle, the design of the spinning scroll (also referred to as a “co-rotating scroll”) is very similar to that of the traditional orbiting scroll, as the relative motion between the two scrolls is identical. Pressure and flow are generated the same in both approaches, with the relative motion between the scrolls creating a series of crescent-shaped gas pockets that generate pressure, vacuum, or expansion depending on how the device is being operated.

The primary difference is that the traditional approach of one scroll remaining stationary while the other scroll orbits eccentrically on a fixed path is replaced with two scrolls that rotate in synchronous motion with offset centers of rotation.

The spinning scroll approach reduces componentry, improves efficiency, and allows for higher running speeds. The true rotary motion of the synchronous scrolls eliminates the need for counterweights, allowing for shorter and lighter drive shafts, which, in turn, reduce power consumption, size, and weight. The simplified balancing and a lighter drive configuration also allow for higher obtainable running speeds by a factor of two. As pressure and flow are directly proportional to speed, the spinning scroll design can offer a similar performance with substantial size and weight reduction.

ABOUT AIRSQUARED

Air Squared is the industry leader in oil-free scroll design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple design with fewer moving parts, scroll technology has established itself as a highly efficient, very reliable, cost-effective alternative. Through a growing line of compressors, vacuum pumps, and expanders, Air Squared makes the many advantages of oil-free scroll technology available to OEMs worldwide.

This material is based upon work supported by a Phase I SBIR award by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under the topic: Methane In-Space Propulsion (Z10.02). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

UPDATE (July 10th, 2018) – Following a successful Phase I effort, Air Squared has been awarded Phase II SBIR funding from NASA.

Air Squared awarded SBIR Phase I funding to develop two scroll solutions that will support ISRU processes by collecting, separating, pressurizing, or processing gasses from the Mars atmosphere.

Broomfield, CO — Air Squared has been awarded Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under the topic Mars Atmosphere Acquisition, Separation, and Conditioning for In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). The SBIR award follows Air Squared’s work with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on the Mars Oxygen ISRU Experiment (MOXIE), which will send an Air Squared scroll compressor to Mars on the Mars 2020 rover mission.

NASA requires advanced technologies that support ISRU processes by collecting, separating, pressurizing, or processing gasses from the Mars atmosphere. ISRU is a critical component of future missions to Mars and an opportunity to significantly reduce the mass and cost of space exploration architectures. There are several ways to capture and pressurize carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the Mars atmosphere, including freezing at cryogenic temperatures, mechanical compression, and absorption. Completed studies on each approach have generally favored cryogenic temperature and mechanical compression solutions. Recently, however, mechanical compression has gained momentum through MOXIE, which utilizes an Air Squared compressor for mechanical compression of CO₂.

Air Squared has proposed using multi-stage scroll compressor technology. The technology has substantial improvements compared with state-of-the-art mechanical compression technologies, such as high-speed turbo-compressors. The size, weight, and power requirements are all reduced. Reliability is also improved, as multi-stage scroll compressor technology operates at significantly lower speeds than turbo-compressors. Additionally, multi-stage scroll technology has high dust tolerance (particulates larger than 50 μm) and robustness to harsh environments and includes an integrated filter on the discharge to remove dust and particulates before downstream processing. The technology requires only electric power (not thermal) and will utilize near-adiabatic compression to maintain high discharge temperature.

As part of the Phase I effort, Air Squared will develop two types of multi-stage scroll solutions, an orbiting scroll compressor, and a spinning scroll compressor. The orbiting scroll approach has one fixed scroll and one orbiting scroll, while the spinning scroll approach has two scrolls spinning in the same direction on an eccentric axis. The orbiting scroll solution will have the advantage of longer design heritage and lowers the associated risk, while the spinning scroll solution will have the benefit of achieving an aggressive size and weight target.

MULTI-STAGE SCROLL TECHNOLOGY

The purpose of the multi-stage scroll technology is to help reduce the overall footprint of the device, while providing the same performance, or better, of a single-stage device. Multi-stage technology can be configured to run in series, parallel, or both within the same unit.

The primary benefit of two-stage technology is that the device has the same number of moving parts as a traditional single-stage design. This is accomplished by machining an additional involute on the back side of the orbiting scroll and adding a mating scroll on the housing.

SPINNING SCROLL TECHNOLOGY

In principle, the design of the spinning scroll (also referred to as a “co-rotating scroll”) is very similar to that of the traditional orbiting scroll, as the relative motion between the two scrolls is identical. Pressure and flow are generated the same in both approaches, with the relative motion between the scrolls creating a series of crescent-shaped gas pockets that generate pressure, vacuum, or expansion depending on how the device is being operated.

The primary difference is that the traditional approach of one scroll remaining stationary while the other scroll orbits eccentrically on a fixed path is replaced with two scrolls that rotate in synchronous motion with offset centers of rotation.

The spinning scroll approach reduces componentry, improves efficiency, and allows for higher running speeds. The true rotary motion of the synchronous scrolls eliminates the need for counterweights, allowing for shorter and lighter drive shafts, which, in turn, reduce power consumption, size, and weight. The simplified balancing and a lighter drive configuration also allow for higher obtainable running speeds by a factor of two. As pressure and flow are directly proportional to speed, the spinning scroll design can offer a similar performance with substantial size and weight reduction.

ABOUT AIRSQUARED

Air Squared is the industry leader in oil-free scroll design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple design with fewer moving parts, scroll technology has established itself as a highly efficient, very reliable, cost-effective alternative. Through a growing line of compressors, vacuum pumps, and expanders, Air Squared makes the many advantages of oil-free scroll technology available to OEMs worldwide.

This material is based upon work supported by a Phase I SBIR award by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under the topic: Mars Atmosphere Acquisition, Separation, and Conditioning for ISRU (H1.01). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

UPDATE (May 21st, 2018) – Following a successful Phase I effort, Air Squared has been awarded Phase II SBIR funding from NASA.

Air Squared has been awarded a NASA Phase I SBIR to develop a cold storage foodstuff refrigeration system for space travel.

Broomfield, CO — The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has awarded Air Squared Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding to develop a scroll-based zero-gravity vapor compression refrigeration (ZVCR) system for improved cold storage in space travel. The award follows a 2017 solicitation under the Logistics Reduction (H3.04) subtopic that is part of the Human Health, Life Support and Habitation Systems (TA6) technology area.

Cold storage for research and scientific sampling on spacecraft has been successfully demonstrated, but conventional oil-based refrigeration units have fallen short of the size, weight, power, and performance specifications required by NASA. The pioneering ZVCR offers an alternative to thermoelectric cooling systems with poor efficiency, by transporting the benefits of well-understood terrestrial-based vapor compression refrigeration to the robust design heritage of scroll technology.

Unlike refrigerators on earth, to meet NASA specifications, the ZVCR will be ruggedly engineered to survive 6g axial and 2g lateral launch loads on takeoff. The ZVCR will also operate oil-free, maintain an efficiency coefficient of 3.5, and be capable of autonomously functioning for five years. To meet these ambitious goals, Air Squared will incorporate four innovations in the ZVCR:

1. Expansion work-recovery using a scroll expander
2. Two-stage orbiting scroll compressor and expander
3. Integrated compressor-expander design
4. Oil-free scroll operation

The scroll expander will recover work, transferring it to the compressor to increase efficiency. A patented multi-stage scroll expander and compressor will be used to increase operating pressure ratios. To further minimize the footprint of the ZVCR and reduce weight, the compressor, motor, and expander are all integrated on a common shaft in a hermetic shell. Finally, to ensure the entire system can operate in any direction or orientation, all scroll components will be designed for oil-free operation. The four innovations work together to improve system efficiency, size, and weight.

About Integrated Scroll Expander-Compressor Technology

With patented integrated compressor-expander scroll technology from Air Squared, the scroll compressor and expander operate on a common shaft, allowing a single semi-hermetic shell to be used for all rotating components. The work recovered by the expander can be directly transmitted to the compressor, significantly improving efficiency. The integration of the compressor and expander not only makes the system more compact but also requires fewer components, (e.g., bearings, generator), which in turn reduces system weight and improves reliability.

About Multi-Stage Scroll Technology

The purpose of the multi-stage scroll technology is to help reduce the overall footprint of the device, while providing the same performance, or better, of a single-stage device. Multi-stage technology can be configured to run in series, parallel, or both within the same unit.

The primary benefit of two-stage technology is that the device has the same number of moving parts as a traditional single-stage design. This is accomplished by machining an additional involute on the back side of the orbiting scroll and adding a mating scroll on the housing.

About Air Squared

Air Squared is the industry leader in oil-free scroll design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple design with fewer moving parts, scroll technology has established itself as a highly efficient, very reliable, cost-effective alternative. Through a growing line of compressors, vacuum pumps, and expanders, Air Squared makes the many advantages of oil-free scroll technology available to OEMs worldwide.

This material is based upon work supported by a Phase I SBIR award by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under the topic: Logistics Reduction (03.04). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

UPDATE (June 4th, 2018) – Following a successful Phase I SBIR effort, Air Squared has been awarded Phase II SBIR funding from NASA and will continue development through 2020.

With DOE funding to support high-energy physics experiments, Air Squared will develop the world’s first cryogenic scroll pump — the CryoScroll™. The reliable, elegant, electrically driven pump will be capable of pumping multi-phase cryogenic fluids.

Broomfield, CO — Air Squared has been awarded Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding through the US Department of Energy (DOE). Under the topic High Energy Physics Detectors and Instrumentation, the DOE is looking to advance the state of the art and reduce the cost associated with specialized particle and radiation detection. The DOE has several planned particle physics experiments that require specialized detectors, such as the High Luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC), the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), and next-generation direct searches for dark matter. Air Squared proposed a submerged cryogenic scroll pump for the subtopic Technology for Large Cryogenic Detectors (29H), which identifies the need for large-scale cryogenic detectors.

DOE-supported high-energy experiments, such as DUNE, plan to run large detectors continuously for up to thirty years. In the case of DUNE, the 1.5–km deep detectors are filled with 70,000 tons of liquid argon (LAr), which requires constant filtration of the LAr within the cryostat to maintain proper purity levels and accurately observe proton decay. Results have shown a strong correlation between particle lifetime and LAr purity. To provide constant filtration, the DOE requires a highly reliable low-vibration cryogenic LAr pump.

The current solution is centrifugal turbopumps that rely on high impeller speeds (i.e., over 10,000 RPM) to create a differential pressure. While this high-speed operation allows centrifugal pumps to be very compact, it also significantly reduces life span, as pump bearings need to be replaced every 5,000 hours (i.e., service every five to seven months). The frequent service interval greatly increases the risk of LAr contamination, so there is a substantial need for an extended-life cryogenic pump that can operate for years without service.

In the Phase I effort, Air Squared will develop the world’s first cryogenic scroll pump — aptly named the “CryoScroll™.” If successful, the CryoScroll will be a reliable, elegant, electrically driven pump, capable of pumping multi-phase cryogenic LAr. The CryoScroll will be capable of maintaining the required differential pressure of 50 psi_g at speeds under 1,000 RPM and handling a wide range of cryostat capacities.

To evaluate the feasibility the CryoScroll, Air Squared will first design, fabricate, and test a subscale CryoScroll prototype that is capable of 1/10^th of the required flow. The prototype will be tested using liquid nitrogen. If successful, Air Squared will apply for Phase II SBIR funding, which will allow for development of a full-scale prototype and commercialization of the CryoScroll technology across other cryogenic pumping applications, such as the pumping of liquid hydrogen and liquid natural gas for storage and distribution.

About Air Squared

Air Squared is the industry leader in oil-free scroll design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple design with fewer moving parts, scroll technology has established itself as a highly efficient, very reliable, cost-effective alternative. Through a growing line of compressors, vacuum pumps, and expanders, Air Squared makes the many advantages of oil-free scroll technology available to OEMs worldwide.

This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy under SBIR Solicitation Number DE-FOA-0001417. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Energy.

UPDATE (April 10th, 2018) – After accomplishing most of the CPMs during a successful Phase I effort, Air Squared was not awarded Phase II SBIR funding from the Department of Energy to continue development.

UPDATE (July 10th, 2018) – NASA has awarded Air Squared a Phase I SBIR and Phase II SBIR to continue development of cryogenic scroll technology.

The Engine ORC Consortium 2017 Workshop is an open forum for technical sharing and learning about ORC systems.

Wednesday, November 15th – Friday, November 17th at Detroit Marriott Troy

As a founding member of the Organizing Committee for the Engine Organic Rankine Cycle Consortium (EORCC), Air Squared will participate in the EORCC 2017 Workshop in Detroit, Michigan.

The Engine ORC Consortium is a group of OEMs and suppliers involved in Organic Rankine Cycle systems and component development and manufacturing. The consortium was created to better leverage knowledge and experience, as well as share basic system technology, including testing and cycle design, without compromising proprietary information.

The 2017 Workshop is an open forum for technical sharing and learning about ORC systems. Topics for the Workshop include: circuit architecture and expander approaches that yield high thermodynamic efficiencies, ORC fluid selection considerations, and ORC system test standardization. Join ORC professionals from around the globe to learn more about ORC system design, technology sharing, leverage development costs, and meet industry experts.

Event Registration

Individuals interested in attending should have some equity and experience in ORC development. Delegates can contribute to the primary goals of the consortium and actively participate in the Workshop. Registration is limited to 200 delegates and is available on a first come, first served basis.

The all-metal scroll vacuum pump is hermetically sealed and features stainless steel scrolls without tips seals, resulting in only metallic wetted surfaces – ideal for handling tritium and other radioactive, toxic, or corrosive gases.

Broomfield, CO — The result of a decade-long development effort, Air Squared will release their all-metal scroll pump for commercial use. The scroll vacuum pump combines numerous innovations pioneered by Air Squared over the last twenty-five years, to deliver a product compatible with virtually any working fluid on the planet. The unit represents a Milestone achievement for Air Squared, an industry leader in scroll technology design and manufacturing.

The novelty of the all-metal scroll pump lies in the elimination of polymer-based tip seals that are common to all oil-free scroll vacuum pumps. With the removal of tip seals in the hermetically-sealed pump, the working fluid is only in contact with precision-machined stainless steel scrolls and a nickel-plated bellows, allowing the unit to support even the most demanding applications. Removal of the tip seals does not come at the expense of performance, as the unit is capable of vacuum below 5 mTorr without a backing pump.

While the all-metal scroll pump can also function as a compressor, Air Squared will first target vacuum applications. The pump has relevance in several areas where traditional vacuum pumps are not suitable. Selection of only corrosion-resistant alloys and metals throughout the pump design, make the pump compatible with highly corrosive or high-temperature gases. The pump can also be used in applications that require zero contamination and leakage, such as processing radioactive tritium.

About Air Squared

Air Squared is the industry leader in oil-free scroll design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple design with fewer moving parts, scroll technology has established itself as a highly efficient, very reliable, cost-effective alternative. Through a growing line of compressors, vacuum pumps, and expanders, Air Squared makes the many advantages of oil-free scroll technology available to OEMs worldwide.

UPDATE (December 26th, 2018) – Air Squared has released the V14H028A-AC-H all-metal, hermetic, scroll vacuum pump as a replacement for the V16H034D-BLDC-H-SS. The next generation design is capable of pumping 15 m³/hr and incorporates several features for improved life and reliability.

The premier event dedicated to transformational energy solutions, the Summit Technology Showcase displays over 250 innovative energy technologies, including those from ARPA-E funded project teams.

Monday, February 27 – Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at The Gaylord National Resort And Convention Center, Washington, D.C.

In February 2017, Air Squared will exhibit at the 2017 Energy Innovation Summit Technology Showcase. The Technology Showcase highlights recent ARPA-E awardees and a highly selective group of other companies and research organizations. Air Squared will showcase an ARPA-E-funded project titled A High Efficiency SACI 1 kW Generator System with Integrated Waste Energy Recovery.

The ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit is an annual conference and technology showcase that brings together experts from different technical disciplines and professional communities to think about America’s energy challenges in new and innovative ways. Now in its seventh year, the Summit offers a unique, three-day program aimed at moving transformational energy technologies out of the lab and into the market. Join other energy industry experts, thought leaders, and decision makers at the 2016 Summit.

Air Squared will occupy Booth No. 742

With 2.7 million dollars in funding through the U.S. Department of Energy’s APRA-E GENSETS program, Air Squared will lead a four-institution team in development of a combined heat and power system that could bring clean energy to your house at one-eighth the cost.

Broomfield, CO — Cheaper, cleaner power for your home could be on the near horizon. With the support of a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant, a team of four institutions thinks that within three years they can bring energy efficiency to your house at one-eighth the cost.

The group’s proposal to optimize combined heating and power systems (CHP) for residential housing earned $2.7 million in seed money in October from the DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E).

CHP systems use a waste-heat recovery system and one power source, such as a natural gas generator, to produce all of the heating, cooling and electrical power that a building needs. Commercial buildings use CHP to increase energy efficiency by avoiding the transmission and distribution losses that occur when electricity travels over power lines, and by capturing more of the energy output from natural gas through waste-heat recovery. Additionally, CHP systems remove the need to worry about power loss from grid outages or mandated rolling blackouts during peak use times.

Early in 2016, the DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory, Colorado-based Air Squared, LLC, Mississippi State University and Purdue University launched efforts to develop the first residential CHP system that uses small generators – A High-Efficiency SACI 1kW Generator with Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) Waste Heat Recovery.

Today’s CHP systems operate on large 4 or 5 kilowatt-sized generators, requiring them to connect to the main utility grid system to offload excess power, and can cost $25,000 to $30,000. Creating a system that can work with a smaller generator powered by natural gas would make mass production viable, reduce costs and eliminate the need to interface with the grid system. In addition, the team says its novel home utility system will be more efficient and longer lasting than residential CHP systems on the market. Today’s systems operate at about 26% efficiency, and ARPA-E has set a goal of increasing efficiency to 40% or more.

“It’s going to be something totally new,” said Munidhar Biruduganti, a principal research engineer at Argonne. “We want to shoot for an output of one kilowatt, not five kilowatts, so that all the power is used by the home.”

The team will develop the new system in two parts, with efforts led by scroll technology expert and equipment manufacturer Air Squared, LLC

Air Squared will partner with Purdue University to build an organic Rankine cycle system to capture waste heat and turn it into electricity. The generator is projected to cost one-third of existing systems through improvements in fluid mixture and the addition of a novel oil-free scroll expander.

“Using organic Rankine cycle technology to recover the waste heat of the engine exhaust will allow us to boost overall thermal efficiency by up to 6%, getting us closer to the 40% goal,” said Eckhard A. Groll, Reilly Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Ray W. Herrick Laboratories, at Purdue University. Groll added, “Organic Rankine cycle technology has been proven in larger applications, such as geothermal heat recovery. However, the challenge of the current project lies in the miniaturization of the technology for application in a one-kilowatt power output engine.”

In tandem, researchers from Argonne and Mississippi State University will develop an advanced internal combustion engine to integrate with the organic Rankine cycle system. The engine will use spark-assisted compression ignition, a turbulent jet ignition fueling system, high compression ratio and aggressive exhaust gas recirculation to deliver a higher thermal efficiency with low emissions. Argonne brings to the project expertise working with a variety of natural gas stationary power generation systems to reduce emissions.

Mississippi State University researchers Professors Sundar Krishnan and Kalyan Srinivasan will develop high-fidelity system-level simulations and lead the design effort to achieve a high-efficiency, one-kilowatt spark-assisted compression ignition natural gas generator.

The two components will be coupled in the second year of the three-year project and undergo system-wide testing at Argonne. In the final year, Air Squared will put the new system through durability testing.

The award is one of three given out as part of the Generators for Small Electrical and Thermal Systems’ Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) initiatives funded by ARPA-E.

Argonne National Laboratory

Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology. The nation’s first national laboratory, Argonne conducts leading-edge basic and applied scientific research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne researchers work closely with researchers from hundreds of companies, universities, and federal, state and municipal agencies to help them solve their specific problems, advance America’s scientific leadership and prepare the nation for a better future. With employees from more than 60 nations, Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

About Air Squared

Air Squared is the industry leader in oil-free scroll design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple design with fewer moving parts, scroll technology has established itself as a highly efficient, very reliable, cost-effective alternative. Through a growing line of compressors, vacuum pumps, and expanders, Air Squared makes the many advantages of oil-free scroll technology available to OEMs worldwide.

This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy’s ARPA-E GENSETS program under the topic: A High-Efficiency SACI 1 kW Generator System with Integrated Waste Energy Recovery. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Energy or ARPA-E.

UPDATE (April 19th, 2018) – With a change in project scope moving into Phase II, the advanced internal combustion engine will no longer be pursued. Air Squared is prototyping and testing a stand-alone Plug and Play Micro-ORC.

The US Navy, in connection with their effort to explore ruggedized, condition-based maintenance for vacuum insulation systems, has awarded Phase I SBIR funding to Air Squared to develop a compact two-stage scroll roughing pump with an integrated turbomolecular backing pump.

Broomfield, CO — The US Navy has identified an autonomous vacuum system as a key component to eliminating maintenance on current shipboard vacuum isolation systems. The cost of maintenance for current vacuum insulation systems is estimated at $550,000 US per ship over the life of the ship. While autonomous vacuum systems already exist, they are very large, require excessive power, and are expensive to purchase and operate. With Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding, Air Squared will demonstrate a small-scale vacuum maintenance device that could ultimately be used in US Navy cryogenic and superconducting applications.

The Phase I effort takes a multi-stage vacuum approach, leveraging two pumping technologies, to deliver a compact, robust, and autonomously-driven vacuum system. The system integrates an Air–Squared designed two-stage scroll vacuum pump with a proven turbomolecular backing pump (Figure 1). The two-stage scroll vacuum pump acts as a roughing pump, delivering 50 mTorr vacuum from atmospheric pressure, and then the turbomolecular backing pump delivers 0.1 mTorr vacuum from 50 mTorr.

Air Squared’s patented two-stage scroll pump (Figure 2) allows for the miniaturization of positive displacement scroll vacuum pump technology without degradation in vacuum performance. Integrating this technology with existing off-the-shelf miniature turbomolecular technology provides a pathway to realizing a compact and cost-effective autonomous vacuum system, without sacrificing performance or reliability.

Air Squared has been awarded highly competitive SBIR Phase II funding from the National Science Foundation for its novel Compact Torus-Shaped Organic Rankine Cycle design.

Broomfield, CO – July 28th, 2016 – After its successful completion of the Phase I objectives, Air Squared, LLC has been awarded highly competitive Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for its novel Compact Torus-Shaped Organic Rankine Cycle design (Pat. Pend.). Phase II funding will allow Air Squared to continue research and development efforts initiated in Phase I, moving one step closer to a commercially viable product.

The innovative Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) design relies heavily on Air Squared’s extensive experience in scroll technology, which despite being around for over 100 years has seen little use as a positive displacement expander. Leveraging scroll technology allows the integration of all components into a closed cylindrical container wherein the working fluid flows about a torus in a poloidal direction, reducing size, system complexity, and cost.

An ORC is a power generation cycle similar to a conventional Rankine cycle, but instead of using water and steam as the working fluids, it uses an organic fluid with a high molecular mass and low boiling point. This cycle can then be used to extract power from low-grade heat (i.e., low temperature) energy sources, such as renewable energy or process waste heat, and convert it into useful electricity.

Air Squared’s Compact Torus-Shaped ORC is similar to a traditional ORC in that it utilizes an organic working fluid with a secondary fluid as the heat source in the evaporator, and ambient air acts as a heat sink in the condenser. However, the Compact Torus-Shaped ORC features an innovative, vertically stacked arrangement with the high-pressure side centered at the top and the low-pressure side positioned at the bottom. Leveraging Air Squared’s significant experience with custom scroll expander design, the arrangement is made possible with scroll components (i.e., pump, expander, and generator) operating on a common shaft and allows for increased efficiency, reduced vibration, minimal noise, and oil-free or lubricated operation.

At roughly the size of a home air conditioner, the Compact Torus-Shaped ORC can use natural gas as a heat source when gas prices are low, then switch to alternative sources when gas prices are high. Integrating all components in a closed cylindrical container significantly reduces the size, system complexity, and cost. While reciprocating engines are the most widely adopted distributed energy technology, their reliance on fossil fuels disqualify them as a long-term solution. Consequently, solar photovoltaic (PV) has become the favored option for sustainable distributed power; however, PV remains expensive at $4,000 per kW, making it hard to compete with diesel and natural gas at less than $1,000 per kW. Power generation is also intermittent, generally lasting half a day.

Traditional ORCs offer an opportunity to transition from conventional fuels to renewable energy, but they face similar cost challenges to PV. Commercially available systems are constructed in an elementary manner with each component existing independently, making installation not only costly but also impractical for most locations. At $3,000 per kW and an estimated payback period of four years, the Compact Torus-Shaped ORC can finally offer residential and commercial markets a distributed energy technology that is sustainable, flexible, and affordable.

Phase I SBIR funding for the Compact Torus-Shaped ORC supported several key objectives. First, to achieve an effective fluid transfer between the rotating and stationary components on the same shaft, various designs and arrangements for the heat exchangers were investigated, and a solution was identified. Second, the commercial viability of Compact Torus-Shaped ORCs in terms of size, capacity, cost, and heat source was extensively investigated. A prototype system with a 2.5 kW net capacity using solar thermal power was proposed for Phase II development. Finally, the condenser and evaporator proposed for Phase II development were built and tested, and they exceeded efficiency targets.

While the Phase II SBIR will realize a working Compact Torus-Shaped ORC prototype in the 2–4 kW range, the effort will initially focus on the development and verification of five primary components: scroll expander, scroll pump, generator, evaporator, and condenser. The components will then be integrated into a working Compact Torus-Shaped ORC prototype for extended testing and further verification.

About Air Squared

Air Squared, LLC is the industry leader in oil-free scroll design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple design with fewer moving parts, scroll technology has established itself as a highly efficient, very reliable, cost-effective alternative. Through a growing line of compressors, vacuum pumps, and expanders, Air Squared makes the many advantages of oil-free scroll technology available to OEMs worldwide.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number: 1534668. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

The Engine ORC Consortium 2016 Workshop is an open forum for technical sharing and learning about ORC systems.

Wednesday, September 15th – Friday, September 17th at Queen’s University Belfast

As a founding member of the Organizing Committee for the Engine Organic Rankine Cycle Consortium (EORCC), Air Squared will participate in the EORCC 2016 Workshop in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The Engine ORC Consortium is a group of OEMs and suppliers involved in Organic Rankine Cycle systems and component development and manufacturing. The consortium was created to better leverage knowledge and experience, as well as share basic system technology, including testing and cycle design, without compromising proprietary information.

The 2016 Workshop is an open forum for technical sharing and learning about ORC systems. Topics for the Workshop include: circuit architecture and expander approaches that yield high thermodynamic efficiencies, ORC fluid selection considerations, and ORC system test standardization. Join ORC professionals from around the globe to learn more about ORC system design, technology sharing, leverage development costs, and meet industry experts.

Event Registration

Individuals interested in attending should have some equity and experience in ORC development. Delgates can contribute to the primary goals of the consortium and actively participate in the Workshop. Registration is limited to 200 delegates and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Air Squared has been awarded a contract from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to design and develop a CO2 scroll compressor that will be used in the MOXIE technology demonstration experiment for the Mars 2020 mission.

Broomfield, CO – After finishing an extensive paper study that evaluated the feasibility of designing a scroll compressor for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Air Squared, LLC has been awarded a contract to develop two CO2 scroll compressor designs that will be used in the Mars Oxygen ISRU Experiment (MOXIE) technology demonstration experiment for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Mars 2020 mission.

The primary goal of the paper study conducted in early 2015 was to assess whether scroll technology could be used to meet or exceed the extensive requirements of the MOXIE CO2 compressor. With size, weight, and efficiency all critical aspects of the compressor, the study concluded that scroll technology not only was feasible but also could offer several advantages over competing technologies, such as reciprocating technology.

Air Squared will now develop and extensively test two different scroll designs for the MOXIE technology demonstration experiment. The first, a single-stage scroll design, has the potential for lower complexity and reduced mass. The second, a two-stage scroll design, will offer lower power consumption. Several requirements will be common to both designs.

Design Specifications

The compressors will be extensively tested in 2016 and then integrated in the MOXIE technology demonstration experiment. If successful, one of the two designs will be selected for further development to make the selected design flight-ready for the Mars 2020 mission.

Update (June 27, 2016) – The P11H024A-BLDC-SH single-stage scroll vacuum pump has been selected as the flight unit. The unit will thoroughly flight qualified and tested throughout 2017.

MARS 2020 MISSION

NASA announced the Mars 2020 mission in December 2012. A part of the Mars Exploration Program, a long-term robotic exploration effort on the planet Mars, Mars 2020 is a rover mission with a planned launch in 2020 that JPL will manage.

The mission is the successor to the Mars Science Laboratory rover mission, in which the Curiosity rover successfully landed on Mars in 2012 and continues to operate on the surface of the Red Planet. The rover is the fifth on Mars and, unlike any of its predecessors, will explore the Red Planet. While the rover design is largely derived from that of the Curiosity, with a similar landing system and chassis, the Mars 2020 rover has upgraded hardware and a different payload, featuring seven new scientific instruments that will help NASA look for evidence of life and prepare for future human expeditions.

MOXIE UNIT

The seven [this number may change] scientific instruments in the Mars 2020 rover payload will primarily be used to help scientists investigate signs of past life on Mars. MOXIE, however, will demonstrate technology for future manned missions to the Red Planet.

Through a process called solid oxide electrolysis—think of a fuel cell working in reverse—MOXIE will demonstrate the ability to produce O2 from CO2 in the Martian atmosphere. With CO2 representing approximately 96% of the thin Martian atmosphere, the technology could be used to generate breathable air for astronauts while on Mars and potentially provide fuel for their return journey back to earth.

The MOXIE unit onboard the Mars 2020 rover represents a 1% scale model of the O2 processing plant required to support human expeditions to Mars. While manned missions will not be possible until at least 2030, MOXIE will provide scientists with invaluable data to design a full-scale Mars In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) facility.

The scroll compressors that Air Squared is developing will play a key role in the success of the MOXIE technology demonstration experiment. The compressor not only requires more power than any other component in the system, it is also the only component with moving parts.

STAGED DESIGN FROM AIR SQUARED

The purpose of a multi-stage scroll design is generally to offer improved performance over a traditional single-stage scroll design. Multi-stage scrolls can be set up to run in series, parallel, or both within the same unit. The two-stage scroll design being developed for JPL has an additional involute on the back of the orbiting scroll with a mating scroll on the housing.

Air Squared holds multiple patents related to novel multi-stage scroll configurations and has developed several multi-stage scroll compressors, vacuum pumps, and expanders. Through the unique combination of innovation and experience, scroll technology from Air Squared offers several advantages over traditional technology, such as reciprocating.

ABOUT AIR SQUARED

Air Squared is the industry leader in oil-free scroll design and manufacturing. By introducing a simple design with fewer moving parts, scroll technology has established itself as a highly efficient, very reliable, cost-effective alternative. Through a growing line of compressor, vacuum pumps, and expanders, Air Squared makes the many advantages of oil-free scroll technology available to OEMs and specialty applications worldwide.

Europe’s largest fuel cell exhibition, the Hydrogen + Fuel Cells + Batteries Group Exhibit at HANNOVER MESSE 2016.

Monday, April 25 – Friday, April 29, 2016 At The Hannover Messe Fairgrounds, Laatzen, Germany

In April 2016, Air Squared will exhibit alongside over 150 companies and institutions from 25 different countries, showcasing a full line of scroll compressors and hydrogen recirculation pumps at Europe’s largest and most important fuel cell exhibition – Hydrogen + Fuel Cells + Batteries Group Exhibit at HANNOVER MESSE.

The Group Exhibit is the one-stop-shop for cutting edge technology: stationary, mobile and portable/micro fuel cell systems, hydrogen production, transport and infrastructure, catalysts, testing, and components.

Air Squared Will Occupy Booth No. B32 In Hall 27

COMPLIMENTARY ETICKETS

Visit Air Squared, LLC at Hannover Messe 2016 with a complimentary eTicket. Click the link below to receive a personalized ticket by e-mail. Simply print out the ticket (in DIN A4 format/letter size) and present it at the entrance. The eTicket is valid for the entire duration of HANNOVER MESSE 2016.

• Complimentary eTicket

The premier event dedicated to transformational energy solutions.

Monday, February 29 – Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at The Gaylord National Resort And Convention Center, Washington, D.C.

In February 2016, Air Squared will exhibit at the 2016 Energy Innovation Summit Technology Showcase. The Technology Showcase highlights recent ARPA-E awardees and a highly selective group of other companies and research organizations. Air Squared will showcase an ARPA-E-funded project titled A High Efficiency SACI 1 kW Generator System with Integrated Waste Energy Recovery.

The ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit is an annual conference and technology showcase that brings together experts from different technical disciplines and professional communities to think about America’s energy challenges in new and innovative ways. Now in its seventh year, the Summit offers a unique, three-day program aimed at moving transformational energy technologies out of the lab and into the market. Join other energy industry experts, thought leaders, and decision makers at the 2016 Summit.

Air Squared will occupy Booth No. 845

The 11th international conference on tritium science and technology.

Sunday, April 17 – Friday, April 22, 2016 At The Charleston Marriott, Charleston, SC

In April 2016, Air Squared will sponsor, participate, and exhibit at Tritium 2016, along with 250 government representatives, scientists, engineers, educators, and policy-makers from around the world. Showcasing a recent project with Savannah River National Laboratory, Air Squared will give a presentation titled Positive Displacement Scroll Pump Technology for Tritium Processing Systems.

The 11th International Conference on Tritium Science and Technology continues the long tradition of meetings covering all topics on tritium originally founded in 1980 in Dayton, Ohio. The objective of the conference is to provide a forum for an exchange of information on science, technology, engineering, and general experience in safe tritium handling for fusion, fission, pharmaceutical, and other isotopic applications for peaceful uses.

Tritium 2016 is intended to attract not only veteran tritium experts but also scientists, engineers and students who are new to the various fields of handling hydrogen isotopes.