A Design Tool for the Evaluation of Atmosphere Independent Propulsion in Submarines
Abstract
For the United States Navy, submarine propulsion has long since evolved from Diesel Electric to a complete reliance on Nuclear Power. Nuclear propulsion is the ultimate atmosphere independent power source, allowing the submarine to divorce itself from the surface, limited only by the endurance of the crew embarked. Submarine construction and operating costs have grown dramatically, due largely to the cost of the high performance nuclear propulsion plant. Other options exist to provide Atmosphere Independent Propulsion of similar capability for extended underwater periods at a potentially lower cost. This thesis explores the aspects of non-nuclear atmosphere independent propulsion as an integral part of the submarine design process, focusing on methods for power generation and various options for fuel and oxidant storage. Fuel sources include pure hydrogen, stored cryogenically or in metal hydrides, or more common fuels such as diesel or methanol, used either directly or in a reformed state. Oxidants include pure oxygen, stored cryogenically or in compressed form, as well as hydrogen peroxide and sodium perchlorate. Energy conversion methods examined include mechanical such as closed cycle diesels, Brayton cycles and Stirling engines, to electro-chemical designs, such as fuel cells and aluminum oxygen semi cells
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA283761
Entities
People
- Grant B. Thornton
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology