The US Army has partnered with Montana-based AirJoule Technologies to develop a novel system that converts waste heat into clean drinking water from ambient air. Under a three-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), the collaboration aims to make military operations more self-sufficient, resilient, and adaptable to challenging environments.

The initiative leverages ERDC’s expertise in field-ready energy systems and AirJoule’s patented atmospheric water generation platform. Unlike conventional dehumidifiers, the system uses advanced sorbent materials to efficiently absorb moisture even at low humidity. Once saturated, a vacuum combined with waste heat triggers water release, which then condenses into liquid in an energy-efficient cycle. Multiple chambers run simultaneously to reuse internal heat, maximising efficiency.

Paired with the Army’s waste-heat recovery units, the technology could provide safe, distilled water directly on the battlefield, reducing reliance on fuel-intensive logistics and vulnerable supply chains. This capability could prove critical in deserts, disaster zones, or conflict areas where traditional water sources are scarce or contaminated.

Matt Jore, CEO of AirJoule Technologies, highlighted the strategic advantage of consistent, field-deployable hydration, while ERDC emphasised the project’s potential to inform the design of next-generation water systems for both defense and humanitarian applications. Research will focus on evaluating performance under diverse environmental conditions and integrating the system with existing military hardware.

If successful, the collaboration could redefine battlefield sustainability, offering a scalable, energy-efficient method to supply troops with potable water while cutting logistical complexity and environmental impact.

Read the full article to see how the Army is harnessing waste heat for next-generation water solutions.