Masters Theses

Abstract

"The current method of disinfection of water used by the United States Army requires a significant amount of mobilization and demobilization time as well as being energy intensive. In an effort to improve small unit mobility a need for a light-weight, low maintenance, highly mobile disinfection system has arisen. In addition to the potential military use, a system of this type could provide a safe drinking water product during the aftermath of natural or man-made disasters, reducing the burden on emergency management services. A prototype system was developed that is self-powered, has low maintenance requirements, and can be stored for extended periods of time without requiring special storage of hazardous materials. Power was provided to the system using a hybrid renewable energy system consisting of a wind turbine and photovoltaic array. The energy generated from the renewable energy system was stored using an ultracapacitor. Disinfection of water was achieved using an ultraviolet disinfection unit. The prototype unit was field tested to evaluate the energy capability and disinfection effectiveness. The results of field testing demonstrated the feasibility of such a system, but several recommendations for modification of the system became apparent. The primary modification would be the removal of the wind turbine which was determined to be redundant, as the PV array provided sufficient energy to the system"--Abstract, page iv.

Advisor(s)

Elmore, A. Curt

Committee Member(s)

Cawlfield, Jeffrey D.
Crow, Mariesa

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Geological Engineering

Sponsor(s)

Leonard Wood Institute

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2009

Journal article titles appearing in thesis/dissertation

  • Development of a mobile water disinfection unit powered by renewable energy

Pagination

66 pages in various pagings

Rights

© 2009 Matthew Christopher Vitello, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Photovoltaic power generation
Solar energy
Water -- Purification -- Ultraviolet treatment
Wind power

Thesis Number

T 9503

Print OCLC #

469087493

Electronic OCLC #

752206711

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