Air-Independent Hybrid SOFC-Battery Energy System for Undersea Vehicles

Abstract

FuelCell Energy is developing a Hybrid Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)-Battery Energy System for Large Displacement Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (LDUUV) propulsion as part of the Office of Naval Research’s LDUUV Innovative Naval Prototype (INP) Energy Program. The project objective is the development of an air-independent refuelable power system with high energy density suitable for long duration underwater missions. The Hybrid SOFC-Battery system will be capable of generating 1800kWhr of electricity over a 70 day mission with no exhaust discharged outside of the vehicle at any time. The energy system is fueled by JP-10 logistic fuel, utilizes liquid O2 for air-independent operation, and is compact enough to fit within a 42-inch square by 120-inch long LDUUV power section. Phase I of the project includes process design and cost analysis, development of a 3-D CAD model of the energy system, breadboard testing of components and the integrated system, as well as completion of a Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA).