Award

The Department of Defense (DoD) needs to reduce reliance on water resupply to support more mobile, flexible, and self-sufficient military operations. Atmospheric Water Extraction (AWE) technology can generate potable water from air moisture, offering a significant tactical advantage in remote or hostile environments by lessening the logistical burden and risks of water resupply missions. AWE systems work by capturing humidity and condensing it into liquid water through methods like cooling condensation and desiccant-based extraction. These systems have various applications beyond military use, including disaster relief, residential and commercial water supplementation, and agricultural irrigation. Advantages of AWE include independence from traditional water sources, portability, flexibility, and potential use of renewable energy sources. However, challenges such as high energy consumption, initial costs, and variable efficiency depending on environmental conditions need to be addressed. Advances in technology and energy efficiency are essential for broader adoption. Triton Systems, Inc. and its partners propose to develop a novel material to extract water vapor from the atmosphere and produce safe, potable water at a rate of = 1 L/day using under 100 Wh of electricity. This self-generating water supply will enable warfighters to be self-sufficient, reducing reliance on supply chains, and allowing for more mobile, flexible, and safer operations by minimizing the need for resupply and associated risks and costs. The atmospheric water harvesting technology will capture atmospheric water under conditions ranging from 5 – 50 °C and down to 20% relative humidity. The material will have large surface areas suitable for both expeditionary and stabilization sizes, providing potable water for 1-150 warfighters. The process uses only electricity, with no heat or thermal energy, operating at under 100 Wh/L of water. This technology promises to be effective across various climates, offering the DoD a versatile solution for military needs.