Development of High Capacity Submarine Electrical Hull Penetrators

High voltage-low current (HV) and high current-low voltage (HC) submarine penetrator designs have varying degrees of risk and technical difficulty. HV penetrator systems to 5 KV are very nearly realized in current technology for peak power delivery to 100 KVA. The SEA CON team proposes to design and fabricate a HV penetrator in Phase I by modifying current penetrator designs. A two-team approach to HV and HC designs, later integrated to a final design, will be used. Design support models include finite element analysis (structural and heat) electrical capacity (including corona potential), and materials and reliability models. The HC application, at 100,000 amperes, is a technology leap in underwater applications. Heat dissipation concepts may have to include fluid cooled cable systems in a manner similar to that used by the smelting industry to melt steel and aluminum. The proposa a so d scusses ways of sealing the penetrator to the hull to accommodate the larger sizes necessary for these power transfer levels, posing a possible solution from the oil industry which uses metal sealing rings rated to 20,000 psig. The SEA CON team will continue accelerated life testing at no cost to the Navy between Phase I and II.