The objective of this project is to design, build, and demonstrate an innovative, state-of-the-art prototype Deployable Waste-to-Energy Convertor for Expeditionary Bases-Thermal Energy to Electrical Power System (DWECX-TEEPS) that will use less fossil fuel, have a smaller logistical footprint, and be self-powering compared to currently available designs. The demonstration will include a Waste Stream based on the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Standard Recipe and an Air Emission triplicate testing scheme meeting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for Small Municipal Waste Combustion units. The project outcome will be the development of a cost effective, efficient and environmentally sound, deployable waste disposal system for expeditionary facilities.

The DWECX-TEEPS is based on the design of the Expeditionary Solid Waste Disposal System (EWSDS), in development by Enercon Systems Inc, in cooperation with the US Army. In comparison to the ESWDS, the DWECX will be an energy-focused design that will include increased fuel-efficiency and a “bolt-on” energy recovery device. The design will utilize concepts of the Eco Waste Solutions (EWS) proprietary waste conversion process: starved-air gasification of waste, followed by excess-air oxidation of the gaseous byproducts generated in the conversion process. This process is enhanced by a unique control system that automates every aspect and is significantly different from traditional incineration as it produces dramatically lower air emissions.

The DWECX-TEEPS will dispose of up to 1000 lbs. (0.5 tons) per day of typical solid non-hazardous military base waste, reducing the volume by over 95%, and producing benign residues and emissions. The TEEPS energy generation process developed by EthosGen and their partner Rockwell Collins, will convert the combustion heat produced by the DWECX to electrical power using the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) based engine. The TEEPS system will capture waste heat from the waste convertor exhaust through a heat exchanger and circulate it to the engine/generator. A second heat exchanger will condense the working fluid using cooling water which can be used for hot water or space heating, or rejected through an air cooler.

The CraftEngine, with its unique piston expander, instead of more commonly used turbine, screw, or scroll expanders, provides substantial advantages including ease of manufacturing, low cost, and high mechanical and thermodynamic efficiency. The small physical size and simplicity of the integrated system are major advantages over other methods. This system will be packaged/containerized into three Tricon modules to be compatible with military airlift, sealift, and ground transportation. Each Tricon weighs less than 10,000 lbs and can be lifted using only a forklift. This design will enable the system to be deployed to small base camps without the need for large material handling equipment.

The DWECX-TEEPS will eliminate common chemical and biological hazards, significantly reduce waste and reduce logistic and administrative requirements. Minimal war fighter effort would be required for loading, or for packaging and transportation of the residual ash, which can be re-used for site improvements, such as inert fill for construction or road-bed/hard-stand material. The heat harvesting equipment enables the capture and conversion into electrical power and/or thermal energy for showers, dining halls and other purposes, thus reducing the amount of logistic fuel required for base operations. Life cycle cost savings include reduced logistics burdens of waste and fossil fuel requirements, but also enhanced operational security, force availability, and deployability.