Small manned and unmanned underwater vehicles, such as Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) and Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs) have traditionally been powered by batteries. However, a recent military requirement for a low weight, long endurance DPV has lead to the investigation of small dynamic heat engines. Of the many possible power system alternatives available, very few can fulfil the design criteria for the DPV. One system that can meet the criteria is the hydrocarbon fuelled Stirling engine. This paper describes the selection and design requirements for the development of a low powered Stirling engine driven DPV. Details are given of the design evaluation and the development of a combustion gas recirculation system to enable pure gaseous oxygen to be used as the combustion oxidant. In addition, information is given on the restrictions imposed on component materials, design and manufacture by the low vehicle power requirements.
Underwater stirling engine for diver propulsion vehicle
Unterwasser-Stirlingmotor für ein Tauchervortriebsfahrzeug
1997
8 Seiten, 2 Bilder, 1 Tabelle, 7 Quellen
Conference paper
English
SUBMARINE SUITABLE DIVER PROPULSION VEHICLE
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2010
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