Thermal Modeling of an Isolated Water Distribution System in the Arctic

Providing potable water is a continuous challenge affecting cold region communities and encampments. Communities often rely on seasonal ice and snow harvesting, wells, lakes, or rivers for their water supply. As the population grows, some of these are becoming less feasible due to seasonal availability and ability to meet required demands. In built up locations it is common to rely on water treatment and distribution infrastructure. However, new communities or temporary encampments present a different challenge. In these scenarios a low maintenance, portable water distribution system would be advantageous. The primary risk to water distribution networks in cold regions is catastrophic failure caused by the water freezing in the system.

This study develops a thermal model of a mobile flexible hose water distribution network in the Arctic to validate performance and provide freeze protection recommendations. The model framework will be based on the Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources (BEAR) water distribution system currently used by the Department of the Air Force in austere, isolated locations. Using the model, a decision maker can develop feasible water distribution network requirements based on population and environmental conditions of the location. A 500-person theoretical man camp is developed and used to evaluate the freeze protection requirements of the potable water utility system. The results not only verify the requirement of insulation in the form of polyurethane pipe jackets, heating tape, or a combination of the two but also quantifies the amount of freeze protection. Mobile water distribution systems have the potential to provide small, isolated communities a reliable method of supplying potable water. The ability to model the heat loss and predict freeze protection requirements will ensure rural and isolated camps will have adequate water in an ever-changing Arctic.