The Assessment of Fuel Cell Power Plants for Surface Combatants.
Abstract
This report describes the results of a study undertaken to determine the impact of fuel cell technology on the design and effectiveness of future naval surface combatants. The study involved the collection of data to characterize four different fuel cell technologies; proton exchange membrane, molten carbonate, phosphoric acid, and solid oxide fuel cells. This information was used to expand current computer models to develop specific fuel cell plants that met the power requirements for several applications on a nominal 5000 Lton destroyer and a nominal 200 Lton corvette. Each of the fuel cell technologies was incorporated into several applications aboard the destroyer and corvette. These applications included combinations of centralized and distributed ship services power, and propulsion power. In addition, the impact of fuel cell technology was determined for a ship service power backfit option aboard a DDG-51 class destroyer. The results of the impact on the ship designs were analyzed and a military assessment was conducted to address such issues as the impact of fuel cells on mobility, survivability, affordability, and on the environment. The report identifies which aspects of the fuel cell technologies have the greatest impact upon combatant ship designs and their operating costs. Recommendations are given for future technology development efforts required to make fuel cells suitable for naval service.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA300538
Entities
People
- Marc Greenberg
- Philippe Goubalt
- Ray Kornbau
- Todd Heidenreich
- Ward Boughers
Organizations
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division