Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Fuel Cell Energy/Power System Technology Assessment

Author

Davies, Kevin L. ; Moore, Robert M.

Author_Institution

Univ. of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu

Volume

32

Issue

2

fYear

2007

fDate

4/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

365

Lastpage

372

Abstract

This paper provides a technology assessment for an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) fuel cell energy/power system (FCEPS), including design methodology and design concepts. The design concepts are based on the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (FC) operating on hydrogen and oxygen. The technology assessment method presented is a holistic approach which combines alternative hydrogen and oxygen storage [and fuel cell system (FCS)] options to provide the highest specific energy and energy density-within the constraints of the UUV application. Using this method, some surprising combinations appear as the theoretical ldquowinnersrdquo for maximum energy storage within the application constraints of the UUV.

Keywords

proton exchange membrane fuel cells; remotely operated vehicles; underwater vehicles; energy density; fuel cell energy technology assessment; maximum energy storage; polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell; power system technology assessment; specific energy; unmanned underwater vehicle; Biomembranes; Constraint theory; Design methodology; Energy storage; Fuel cells; Fuel storage; Hydrogen storage; Polymers; Power systems; Underwater vehicles; Fuel cell system (FCS); hydrogen storage; oxygen storage; unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV);

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Oceanic Engineering, IEEE Journal of

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0364-9059

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/JOE.2007.893690

Filename

4383211