Tactical Microgrid Resilience through On-site Renewable Diesel Generation

Forward operating bases (FOBs) maintain U.S. Army operational effectiveness regardless of local power delivery using microgrids, local independent electrical systems, to increase base resilience and reduce dependance on local resources. River Otter will utilize a readily available resource, sewage waste, for production of on-site clean energy through renewable diesel generation. River OtterÆs patented technology converts sewage sludge into biocrude with less energy input and higher biocrude yield than traditional HTL, resulting in less waste generation. Sewage waste is a plentiful, high-energy content, feedstock readily available at military bases and civilian population centers which would otherwise be disposed of in landfills. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a promising technology for converting these abundant wet organic wastes into fuels.Ā Renewable diesel is a natural product of HTL using sludge and food waste. Recent technological advancements patented by Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and licensed by River Otter increase biocrude yield and reduce solid residues; an improvement to the process termed radical initiated hydrothermal liquefaction (RI-HTL). This project will perform a feasibility study of radical-initiated hydrothermal liquefaction (RI-HTL) conversion of sewage waste into diesel-like fuel.