SBIR/STTR Research Award
PetCOOL - Canine temperature regulation in extreme environments
Award amount
$247,975Program and phase
SBIR · Phase IAward year
2025Award details
- Awarding agency
- Department of Defense
- Branch
- Army
- Recipient company
- Innovative Thermal Labs Inc
- Proposal award date
- 2025-07-29
- Contract end date
- 2026-02-03
- UEI
- XGG5QSRVCAG5
- Solicitation number
- 25.4
- Topic code
- A254-P001
Research abstract
Innovative Thermal Labs (ITL) proposes to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for PETCool, an advanced thermal management system designed to address the critical need for effective cooling solutions for Military Working Dogs (MWDs) operating in extreme environments. MWDs are essential assets in military operations, but their performance and health are severely impacted by heat stress. Current cooling solutions are inadequate for field use, lacking the necessary efficiency, durability, and adaptability to maintain optimal core body temperature in these invaluable canine assets.ITL's PETCool system will adapt the company's proven CoolEase technology, an AI-powered thermal management system that has been successfully demonstrated with various military branches. CoolEase leverages advanced algorithms and state-of-the-art materials to create a smart, lightweight, and highly efficient cooling solution. The system's effectiveness has been validated through rigorous testing and user feedback from Air Force units, demonstrating significant improvements in thermal comfort, reduced fatigue, and enhanced cognitive performance.The PETCool feasibility study will focus on adapting CoolEase's human-centric design for canine use, addressing the unique physiological needs of MWDs. Key areas of investigation include heat exchange system adaptation, smart fabric integration, component feasibility, adaptive control system development, and biomimetic materials research. ITL's team of experts, led by Dr. Reza Monazami, Ph.D., brings extensive experience in thermal management systems, wearable technology, and military applications to ensure the successful execution of this project.The study will be conducted over a 6-month period, with deliverables including monthly status reports, a final scientific and technical report, and a summary of the findings. The final deliverables will consist of a detailed feasibility study report, a Phase II proposal outline, and a conceptual design document. By focusing on success metrics such as system weight reduction, battery runtime optimization, waterproof design, and functionality in extreme thermal conditions, ITL aims to demonstrate the feasibility of the PETCool system and its potential for military adoption.The successful completion of this Phase I study will lay the foundation for developing a lightweight, durable, and effective thermal management system that enhances MWD performance and safety in extreme environments. PETCool has the potential to revolutionize heat stress prevention and empower MWDs to operate at their best, even in the most challenging conditions. By leveraging ITL's proven expertise in thermal management and military applications, the PETCool system represents a significant advancement in canine thermal management technology, addressing a critical need for the military and ensuring the well-being of these invaluable assets.
Technology keywords
Not reported
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Verified by an exact topic code match. This is not a text-similarity match.
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