TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PfM LCES, PM Engineer Systems (ES)

OBJECTIVE: Develop a lightweight micro cooling system that integrates with the latest generation of liquid cooling and dehumidification vest garments and is resilient enough to withstand heavy abrasive use under the EOD Bomb Suit (9) while providing unrestrictive movement during EOD operations.

DESCRIPTION: The EOD Bomb Suit (9) provides the EOD technician protection from fragmentation, blast pressure, heat and light flash, and flame generated by Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) and Electrically Initiated Devices (EID) when conducting Render Safe Procedures (RSP) or disruption procedures on ordnance and/or devices that cannot be attacked remotely [Ref 2]. The bomb suit provides a wide field of vision, flexibility, and mobility and can weigh in excess of 125 lbs. A Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), which provides breathable air regardless of the ambient atmosphere, and an EOD helmet are also worn which add an additional 60 lbs. The time EOD personnel have for conducting disarming procedures can be limited simply by the total weight of their Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) and lack of adequate cooling. Failure to complete a mission can be catastrophic. Current cooling techniques involve packing ice into a web-like vest and using gravity to allow melted water to go down the upper torso.

This SBIR topic seeks innovative approaches for a lightweight micro cooling system that integrates with the latest generation of liquid cooling and dehumidification vest garments [Ref 3]. The cooling system shall weigh no more than 10 lbs. (5 lbs. objective) and be self-powered up to 6 hrs. An ability to attach to auxiliary/supplemental power is also desired. The cooling system shall be able to limit EOD personnel exposure conditions within the bomb suit to 80�F, 50% relative humidity and not drop below 65�F, 10% relative humidity during the 6-hour self-powered timeframe. At a minimum, cooling shall be focused on the torso and core cooling. Target design goals for the system shall be to operate in all climates and environments that may be encountered by Marines such as arctic, desert, jungle, and coastal, and shall not operationally degrade when ambient temperatures are between 125�F and -25�F. The system shall also fully operate in all humidity levels up to 100 percent and must be resistant to the effects of salt/water spray and extreme sand and dust conditions to the extent outlined in MIL-STD-810G [Ref 1]. The cooling system materials shall be structurally resilient to withstand heavy abrasive use under the EOD Bomb Suit (9) [Refs 2, 3].

PHASE I: Develop concepts for an EOD Bomb Suit micro cooling system that meets the requirements highlighted in the Description above. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concepts in meeting Marine Corps needs and establish that the concepts can be developed into a useful product for the Marine Corps. Establish feasibility by material testing and analytical modeling, as appropriate. Provide a Phase II development plan with performance goals, key technical milestones, and a technical risk reduction strategy.

PHASE II: Develop a scaled prototype evaluation to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II development plan and the Marine Corps requirements for the EOD Bomb Suit micro cooling system [Ref 4]. Demonstrate system performance through prototype evaluation and modeling or analytical methods over the required range of parameters including 150 deployment cycles. Use the evaluation results to refine the prototype into an initial design that will meet Marine Corps requirements. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology to Marine Corps use.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Marine Corps in transitioning the technology for Marine Corps use. Develop a plan to determine its effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment. Support the Marine Corps for test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Marine Corps use.