TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Human Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Mr. Alex Papadopoulos, PM - Infantry Combat Equipment. ACAT IV

OBJECTIVE: To develop and demonstrate a small, lightweight, innovative device to cool drinking water contained in the 100-ounce On The Move Hydration System. The device will occupy less than 5 cubic inches (less than 2 cubic inches desired) and weigh less than 1 lb (less than 1/2 pound desired). It will be carried in combination with the On The Move Hydration System in the warrior�s modular lightweight load-bearing equipment pack (MOLLE) and require no outside power sources. The device will reduce heat and dehydration related injuries to individual warriors in the desert environment.

DESCRIPTION: Marines carry their personal water supplies on their backs in small, 100-ounce capacity, bladder-type reservoirs commonly referred to as the "On The Move Hydration System". The bladders are equipped with drinking tubes and bite-actuated valves to provide the user with hands-free, on the move access to their personal water supply. Water provides cooling to humans through two basic processes, evaporation (perspiration evaporates thus cooling the skin) and sensible heat exchange (drinking cool liquids reduces body temperature). In the field, personal drinking water temperature approximates that of the ambient environment. In desert environments, personal drinking water temperature often exceeds normal body temperature. There are several problems associated with drinking liquids that are warmer than the body in hot (desert) environments. Sensible heating raises body temperature, which increases the potential for heat-related injuries. This is tantamount to giving hot coffee to a person exhibiting signs of heat stroke. Increased perspiration is then required to achieve the same ultimate cooling effect. Drinking water consumption must then be further increased to combat dehydration. In addition, warm drinking water does not taste as good as cool water and can lead to insufficient hydration. Recent desert operations have reinforced the need to maintain adequate hydration levels in the field. A lightweight, innovative means of cooling the individual warrior�s drinking water to temperatures below body temperature while on the move is therefore needed. The device could also be useful for small-scale field cooling needs through direct contact such as fighting heatstroke and other field medical purposes.

PHASE I: Conceptualize, design, develop and demonstrate a prototype for the Individual Field Service Drinking Water Cooler. The device will have minimum complexity and require no maintenance. It will contain no hazardous chemicals or require special handling or disposal. A disposable product is desired, but not required. Phase I will include a trade study to balance design factors such as cost, efficiency, reliability, component life and weight for at least 2 alternatives. Phase I will conclude with down selection of a recommended technology for transition to Phase II and demonstration of a prototype. Each Phase I proposal shall include a transition plan into Phase II.

PHASE II: Using the knowledge gained in Phase I, develop, test, demonstrate and deliver a field-ready version of the Individual Field Service Drinking Water Cooler. The field-ready version of the device will occupy less than 5 cubic inches (less than 2 cubic inches desired) and weigh less than 1 lb (less than 1/2 pound desired). It will designed and constructed to be carried in combination with the On The Move Hydration System hydration unit in the warrior�s MOLLE backpack, operate hands-free while on the move, and require no outside power sources. It will be easily operated (simple "ON-OFF" or "Activate" switch or pull string desired) and require no maintenance other than field replacement of consumables such as compressed gas cartridges, batteries, etc. if utilized. It will be virtually silent during operation. It will have a storage life of 30 months (5 years desired). During Phase II the field-ready version will be demonstrated to be appropriate for the field environment, and to have no detrimental effects on drinking water or user mobility. Phase II will include a detailed plan for transition to Phase III.

PHASE III: Incorporate knowledge gained during Phases I and II into final product design and preparation for production. Military products should include packaging for direct use with the backpack-carried On The Move Hydration System personal water reservoirs in military service. The military product will be virtually identical (other than color or other non-function related features) to the product offered to the wider use commercial market. Phase III packaging and production should also include configurations suitable for direct contact with the body to provide immediate surface cooling where needed. These will be used during emergency response situations and for other medical needs such as combating heat stroke and reducing fever in both the commercial and military sectors. Commercial products will be produced that are readily in the military environment as commercial, off the shelf (COTS) items. During Phase III the technology will be transitioned from a demonstrated field-ready unit to cool drinking water, to production products suitable for both military and commercial use wherever immediate, small scale cooling is needed. Phase III will include a detailed commercialization plan.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: This device would be useful in recreational applications such as backpacking, hiking, biking, off-road exploration, etc. With direct application to the body, it would be useful as first aid to combat heatstroke and other heat-related illness in emergency medical and civil defense sectors. The technology could be useful in the treatment of burn victims through the immediate application of a sterile, cool surface to burn areas. The device could be used to provide sub-dew point cooling to condense emergency drinking water in remote locations for military, civil defense and commercial applications.

REFERENCES:
1. Body Water Homeostasis and Human Performance in High Heat Environments: Fluid Hydration Recommendations for Operation Desert Storm. Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA November 1991. 2. Countermeasure: Army Ground Risk Management Information, Volume 24, Number 3. Army Safety Center, Fort Rucker, AL. 3 March 2003.

KEYWORDS: water cooler; heatstroke; drinking water; On The Move Hydration System; hydration; dehydration;

TPOC: James Estes
Phone: (805)982-1309
Fax: (805)982-1458
Email: [email protected]
2nd TPOC: Buck Thomas
Phone: (805)982-1590
Fax: (805)982-1458
Email: [email protected]

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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