In the release, the ONR said it is sponsoring the “development of an innovative solution for generating potable water at twice the efficiency of current production” for forces afloat, Marine Corps expeditionary forces and humanitarian missions ashore.
Dr. J. Paul Armistead, an ONR program officer with interests in water purification, is quoted as saying, “We plan to build prototype desalination units that will use 65 percent less energy and be 40 percent smaller by weight and by volume relative to current Navy reverse osmosis systems. They should require roughly 75 percent less maintenance.”
Delivering drinkable water for ships at sea and Marines ashore for less cost and less energy became an ONR priority in 2004 under the Expeditionary Unit Water Purification Program, or EUWP.
Since its inception, the EUWP program has produced advances in desalinization capability. The first-generation EUWP technology demonstrator was designed as a deployable high water production unit more easily transported by the military and used for a variety of missions.
A more efficient onboard desalinization plant translates into a more efficient ship, which uses less fuel, extends combat capability and reduces its carbon footprint, the release said.
According to Armistead, “From current Navy desalination systems we only get 20 percent product water. … These new systems will likely double that.”
Other experts familiar with the project said technology advancements the ONR develops are directly applicable ashore and have the potential for commercialization.
To read the full release, click here.
For related information, click here.
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