Proton exchange membrane fuel cell technology status and applicability for propulsion of autonomous underwater vehicles

Author

Barbir, F.

Author_Institution

Proton Energy Syst., Rocky Hill, CT, USA

fYear

2002

fDate

2002

Firstpage

65

Lastpage

69

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are being developed for propulsion of automobiles and for portable and stationary power generation. This paper reviews the technology status in terms of performance, durability, size and weight. An example of a closed loop system is described together with its operational characteristics. Various hydrogen/oxygen storage and refueling options are discussed. The PEM fuel cells may be attractive for propulsion of underwater vehicles because of high efficiency, quiet operation, low thermal signature, neutral buoyancy, and depth independence of the process.

Keywords

closed loop systems; electric propulsion; fuel cell vehicles; proton exchange membrane fuel cells; remotely operated vehicles; underwater vehicles; autonomous underwater vehicles; closed loop system; durability; high efficiency; hydrogen/oxygen storage; low thermal signature; neutral buoyancy; operational characteristics; performance; propulsion; proton exchange membrane fuel cells; quiet operation; refueling options; underwater vehicles; Application software; Biomembranes; Commercialization; Fuel cell vehicles; Fuel cells; Hydrogen; Power generation; Propulsion; Protons; Underwater vehicles;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, 2002. Proceedings of the 2002 Workshop on

ISSN

1522-3167

Print_ISBN

0-7803-7572-6

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/AUV.2002.1177205

Filename

1177205