Hybrid Propulsion Systems for Undersea Weapons

This project addresses the development of hybrid propulsion system technology for undersea weapons. The system will integrate a solid oxide fuel cell with a conventional engine or turbine. The proposed system is anticipated to have a superior range compared to conventional propulsion systems as the power for surveillance operations will be provided by a more efficient SOFC subsystem. The conventional engine or turbine subsystem will provide supplementary power during high power prosecution and attack operations. Since various options exist for both the conventional and the fuel cell technology and because undersea weapons are inherently limited in both their gravimetric and volumetric payloads, trade-offs are inevitable. The optimal propulsion system will be determined via multidisciplinary design optimization by investigating combinations of power generating sources, fuel and oxidant types, system design options, and space allocation for each subsystem. A series of performance measurements, such as maximum speed, endurance at maximum speed, surveillance speed, and endurance at surveillance speed will be quantified. The Phase I study will identify the best combination of high and low power generating technologies. The results of this study will be used in Phase II where a more detailed design and development effort will be conducted.