Hybrid Propulsion Systems for Undersea Weapons

In response the U.S. Navy's desire to continuously improve its undersea weapons capabilities, Design By Analysis, Inc. of New Britain, Connecticut in conjunction with the University of Connecticut's Global Fuel Cell Center propose an auxiliary electrochemical power system for use in undersea weapon systems. This novel concept modifies an existing thermally propelled torpedo to include Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells in order to generate, efficient and cool electric power used to propel the torpedo silently during its low power mode of operation. This hybrid thermally and electrically propelled device, coined the PEM Reformer-Free Electrochemical Cell Torpedo (PERFECTT), promises a new generation of undersea weaponry with increased stealth search range, higher reliability, easier maintenance than current closed system thermal engine torpedoes. Research activities will also include selecting an appropriate means of supplying fuel to the cell stack. The two technologies to be investigated include a HYDROX system, and a high pressure hydrogen storage tank. Although combining the two technologies in an integrated system poses a high technical risk, the PERFECTT design will trigger a quantum leap in both undersea weapons capability as well as successful commercialization.