Battery Systems for Maritime AUVs

The aqueous-based alkaline, silver-zinc, and lead-acid batteries that have historically been used in maritime applications are increasingly being replaced by lithium primaries and lithium-ion secondaries that offer substantially higher energy density and can deliver longer operating life for more demanding applications. All of these battery chemistries have strengths and weaknesses that must be matched with the requirements of the specific mission. Here we present an overview of representative battery systems, focusing on the key performance areas of rate capability, energy density, and operating life under conditions that are typical for maritime AUVs. We also discuss safety, cost, and availability, and we address environmental effects of different technologies.