Development of On-Board Water Recovery Unit for the Future Combat System (FCS), HMMWV and the Tactical Quiet Generator

Executive Summary

The primary goal is to develop a fully integrated and automated prototype system for the collection, purification and storage of potable water from the exhaust gases of military land vehicles. A heat exchanger & refrigeration system is used to recover water generated during the combustion process. The system is designed to operate under desert conditions. A mesoscale heat exchanger is under development at MesoSystems, Inc. This unit would be smaller than conventional heat exchangers and could eventually fit in the wheel arch of the HMMWV. The water cleanup is performed using a purification train under development consisting of an ultra-high efficiency glass fiber filter, activated carbon and carbon fiber, zeolites and ion exchange resins. The water purification canister design is challenging since the water contains a mixture of organic and inorganic acidic compounds. Currently, the water meets drinking water standards with a TOC of < 2 ppm and in most cases is less than 0.5 ppm, and a metal's content below EPA regulated limits. Identification and removal of remaining TOC is the focus of current research. For comparison most municipal water supplies have a TOC of 2-3 ppm.

The successful development of a system that produces potable water from vehicle exhaust and is small enough to be of military utility will augment a unit's water supply and reduce its dependence on the supply infrastructure. This will lead to a more mobile, deployable, and flexible force. The technology will also provide water to small units in water scarce environments. The system will provide safe, lifesaving, drinking water in disaster relief and emergency applications. It could also provide recreational vehicles in water scarce environments with a critical survival tool.