A VERY-HIGH ENDURANCE ENERGY SYSTEM FOR AUTONOMOUS UNDERWATER VEHICLES

摘要

Fuel Cell Technologies Ltd. (FCT) is currently developing a Very-High EndurancernEnergy System for the Atlantic Layer Tracking Experiment (ALTEX) AutonomousrnUnderwater Vehicle (AUV). This project, coordinated by the Monterey BayrnAquarium Research Institute, is part of the National Ocean Partnership Programrnthat measures the effects of global warming. The ALTEX AUV is designed tornnavigate 1,500 kilometres under the Arctic ice cap to a depth of 3,500 meters.rnTo meet the stringent energy requirements for this application, FCT has designedrna novel Aluminum/Hydrogen-Peroxide semi-fuel cell system to deliver 80 kWhrsrnat 300 W. This will permit over 11 days of uninterrupted full-power operation ofrnthe AUV, independent of operational depth.rnTo date, FCT has performed the first set of sea trials of the aluminum energyrnsystem, and is currently (as of 2 July 2001) performing the second set of searntrials on schedule. These progressive sea trials will culminate with the Under-IcernSea Trials in October 2001 off of Norway.rnThis paper summarizes the principle issues associated with the design and proofrnof such cutting edge AUV energy systems and reports on the results of the searntrials to date as well as the planned way ahead for this technology.