Fuel cell power systems for submersibles

International Fuel Cells Corporation (IFC) has successfully demonstrated a 10 kW prototype fuel cell power plant for a 44-inch submersible. The power plant features multiple proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell stacks; a single stack is insertable into a 21-inch vehicle. Fueled by hydrogen and oxygen, it has demonstrated 68 percent energy efficiency at rated power. Fuel cells are attractive candidates for extending undersea vehicle range over present battery-powered capability. They are efficient, quiet, and easily recharged (refueled). IFC has developed a unique cell with water managed passively; this significantly simplifies ancillary systems, permitting autonomous reliable operation. A key unresolved issue is storage of the hydrogen fuel, because traditional gaseous storage is volume inefficient. Development of more compact “solid” forms of storage is underway. Once successful, the resulting fuel cell systems will offer significant energy density advantages over competing power sources