Concept Design Of A Long Range Automated Underwater Vehicle Propulsion System With An Onboard Electrical Generator

Concept Design of a Long Range Automated Underwater Vehicle Propulsion System with an Onboard Electrical Generator

Automated Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Technology has come a long way in the past decade. Due to advances in batteries and telecommunications, unmanned underwater vehicles no longer require a tether to a mother ship for power, command and control. AUV endurance and range, however, are still limited by the size and capacity of the onboard batteries. Attempts to overcome this limitation, with studies utilizing fuel and solar cells were developed to augment the stored energy onboard. This thesis examines the viability of utilizing an internal combustion engine as an onboard generator to recharge the batteries in during the mission in order to increase both range and endurance. Working in conjunction with the MIT Rapid Development Group, an onboard generating system was developed utilizing a gasoline generator. This system was incorporated into in a clean sheet propulsion system design of a long range AUV propulsion system. Maximum efficiency of all components was stressed at every point in the design process in order to decrease the propulsion system power requirements. Advanced lithium-ion battery systems were also investigated in order to find a system that balanced maximal energy storage with low recharge time. The study resulted in a theoretical AUV propulsion system that could traverse distances that span the Atlantic Ocean at a speed of 2 kts. It is believed that this type of AUV would be ideal for both scientific research and military applications.

Technology, Transformation, and New Operational Concepts

Encyclopedia of Electrochemical Power Sources

The Encyclopedia of Electrochemical Power Sources, Second Edition, is a comprehensive seven-volume set that serves as a vital interdisciplinary reference for those working with batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers, supercapacitors, and photo-electrochemical cells. With an increased focus on the environmental and economic impacts of electrochemical power sources, this work not only consolidates extensive coverage of the field but also serves as a gateway to the latest literature for professionals and students alike. The field of electrochemical power sources has experienced significant growth and development since the first edition was published in 2009. This is reflected in the exponential growth of the battery market, the improvement of many conventional systems, and the introduction of new systems and technologies. This completely revised second edition captures these advancements, providing updates on all scientific, technical, and economic developments over the past decade. Thematically arranged, this edition delves into crucial areas such as batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers, supercapacitors, and photo-electrochemical cells. It explores challenges and advancements in electrode and electrolyte materials, structural design, optimization, application of novel materials, and performance analysis. This comprehensive resource, with its focus on the future of electrochemical power sources, is an essential tool for navigating this rapidly evolving field. - Covers the main types of power sources, including their operating principles, systems, materials, and applications - Serves as a primary source of information for electrochemists, materials scientists, energy technologists, and engineers - Incorporates 365 articles, with timely coverage of environmental and sustainability aspects - Arranged thematically to facilitate easy navigation of topics and easy exploration of the field across its key branches - Follows a consistent structure and features elements such as key objective boxes, summaries, figures, references, and cross-references etc., to help students, faculty, and professionals alike