A 212-Class submarine of the German Navy will be equipped with a fuel-cell propulsion system in addition to the conventional turbocharged MTU 16V 396 diesel engine. The submarine with a displacement of 1450 tons is powered at low speed by the Siemens PEM fuel-cell using the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to produce water and electricity in nine modules. Besides the low operatiing temperature of 70 to 80 deg C the advantage of the fuel-cell is its quitness and a conversion rate between 60 and 70 %. Battery power is used if greater speed or more electrical power for on-board systems are required. The commission is scheduled for the end of the year 2003.
New system for submarine propulsion
Diesel and Gas Turbine Worldwide ; 31 , 6 ; 57
1999
1 Seite, 1 Bild
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Englisch