A Mobile Emergency Drinking Water System Powered by Renewable Energy

To increase the mobility and wellbeing of U.S. Army units a relatively light-weight, portable source of clean drinking water is needed to replace current practices of obtaining potable water. In addition to the need expressed by the Army, it has become apparent that delivering a reliable source of clean drinking water to municipalities during the aftermath of natural disasters such as Hurricane's Katrina and Ike is essential. Water supply and the associated transportation of potable water is a considerable burden on recovery efforts following a natural disaster. A low cost trailer mounted system, which uses an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection unit in conjunction with cartridge filters, can provide potable water from local surface water bodies until the infrastructure is renewed. The system is powered by a hybrid photovoltaic array and wind turbine system, which allows for the capability to pump and treat surface water when grid power is unavailable. In an effort to maintain low maintenance and increased storability associated with the system, relatively high-maintenance lead acid batteries have been eliminated, which also helps to reduce the system weight. Tests have been conducted to assess the ease of use, effectiveness and feasibility of the system.