SBIR-STTR Award

Data shows that soldiers in Iraq are reluctant to drink water that is warm, which can lead to dehydration weaknesses and heat stress. To address this problem, envisioned are mobile, 100% solar-powered refrigeration units sized to handle individual standard-size pallets holding 1,296 liters (342 gallons) of water in 0.5, 1, or 1.5 liter bottles. This unit would cool water to the required 60¢XF in ambient conditions of 105-135¢XF (40¡V60¢XC) within 24 hours and then hold temperatures indefinitely without any need for refueling. Time permitting, the units will be able to cool water to 38„aF. The units would be positioned near kitchens and billeting or in more remote locations.

Keywords:
Solar Powered Refrigeration, Off-Grid Refrigeration, Off-Grid Pallet Cooling, Thermal Storage, 2-Stage Refrigeration.

SunDanzer’s research and development in Phase I has identified and tested a realistic solution to off-grid water bottle chilling and in Phase II, work will focus on further innovation, detailed engineering, manufacture of fieldable units and commercializing the product. SunDanzer anticipates that the proposed Bottle Water Chillers can be made ready for deployment quickly after the completion of the Phase II work, benefiting troops with improved hydration. The simplicity, low cost and flexible powering of the system, made possible by SunDanzer’s Phase I innovations make it a likely success in the battlefield.

Keywords:
Bottled Water Chiller, Solar Cooling, Off-Grid Cooling, Beverage Cooling, Dc Refrigeration, Troop Hydration, Photovoltaic Direct