Hybrid SOFC-Battery Power System for Large Displacement Unmanned Underwater Vehicles

FuelCell Energy is developing a Hybrid Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)-Battery Power System for Large Displacement Unmanned Underwater 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 1800 kW-hr of electricity over a 70-day mission with no discharge outside of the vehicle at any time. The power system is fueled by JP-10 logistic fuel, utilizes liquid O2for air-independent operation, and is compact enough to fit within a 42 inch x 42 inch (square) x 120 inch space within the LDUUV. Phase I of the project includes process design and cost analysis, development of a 3-D CAD model of the power system, breadboard level testing of components and the integrated system, as well as completion of a Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA).