High Efficiency Environmental Control for Forward Operating Bases

This proposal addresses the single largest consumer of ground-based power at Forward Operating Bases and conservatively results in annual fuel savings greater than $150 million. U.S. forces currently consume about 300,000 barrels of petroleum-based fuels per day. During wartime OPTEMPO, generators burn more fuel than any other single source including aircraft. Environmental Control Units (ECUs) used to condition shelter air space consume 70-80% of generator power. Mainstream proposes a new method of providing environmental control to forward-deployed military shelters that will result in a system that is 33% smaller, 18% lighter, and 25% more fuel efficient. This proposal presents the preliminary design. In Phase I, Mainstream will complete the detailed design and perform experimental tests to validate the efficiency improvement and business case for transitioning the proposed system to the military. In Phase II, Mainstream will fabricate and demonstrate a full scale system. Mainstream, a recognized leader in military heating and cooling systems, is well poised to develop and field the proposed system.