Atmospheric Water Extraction Plus (AWE+)
ID: HR0011SB20244-02Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Atmospheric Water Extraction Plus (AWE+)

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2638569

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic "Atmospheric Water Extraction Plus (AWE+)" as part of its SBIR program. The objective of this solicitation is to develop novel atmospheric water extraction technology with potential for energy use below 100Wh electric per liter of water generated across a wide range of environments. The technology should be integrated into a proof-of-concept prototype producing potable water with a clear path to full-size implementation.

    The DOD has a critical need to reduce water resupply requirements for mobile and self-sufficient operations. The development of AWE+ technology will have important tactical implications, reducing casualties and costs in forward operating environments. The goal is to provide potable water for a range of military needs by developing low-power, distributable systems that can provide water anywhere, anytime, and without the need for any external liquid water source.

    DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, is specifically seeking teams with innovative means of releasing water from sorbents which is cyclically stable and has very low energy requirements. The technology should be able to produce water with not more than 100Wh electricity per liter of water produced, and not more than 100Wh thermal energy per liter of water produced. Proposals should outline a plan for reaching these energy metrics and provide an estimate for the range of environmental conditions at which the devices could operate.

    The project will be conducted in two phases. Phase I is a six-month effort focusing on proof-of-concept material and release mechanism development. Phase II is a 24-month effort with a base period of nine months, followed by two option periods. The performers will be expected to demonstrate functionality of their water capture and release mechanisms in a laboratory environment, producing at least 100mL of potable liquid water over a six-hour period with minimal loss in performance.

    The ultimate goal of this effort is to demonstrate AWE capable of meeting potable water needs for expeditionary scenarios with extremely high efficiency. Phase III will focus on transition within the DoD/military and further commercialization of the technology. Potential applications include satisfying military expeditionary water needs, reducing logistical footprint and vulnerability of supply lines, and developing next-generation dehumidification systems for residential and commercial HVAC.

    Keywords: Atmospheric water extraction, atmospheric water capture, atmospheric water harvesting, sorbent materials, advanced manufacturing.

    For more information and to submit proposals, visit the DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation notice on grants.gov or the DOD SBIR/STTR Opportunities website. The open date for proposals is October 3, 2023, and the close date is March 31, 2025.

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