Portable, Re-Usable, Non-Electric Beverage Chiller

The Army needs to maintain the health and effectiveness of soldiers in hot environments. We propose to help soldiers drink enough by providing them with individual cooling elements (ICEs) to chill beverages. The innovation is a lightweight ICE based on a regenerable absorption refrigeration process. Absorption refrigeration provides high cooling power per unit mass of refrigerant and requires no electric power. The device can be regenerated after each use by heating to moderate temperatures. Innovative materials and packaging enable a very flexible and lightweight system. In Phase I we designed, built, and tested all the key elements of the absorption ICE. Data from these proof-of-concept tests show the feasibility of constructing a prototype absorption ICE in Phase II that will meet key performance goals. The technical objectives of Phase II are high cooling power, system integration, ease of operation, light weight, ruggedness, safety, and proven operation. We will optimize all components of the ICE for light weight, high cooling power, ruggedness, and safety. We will assemble the components into an integrated system and test the system and components. Phase II demonstrations will include extensive, well-instrumented laboratory testing and field testing to demonstrate ruggedness, reusability, and safety.