Stirling power for AUVs

The market potential for AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) for civil, naval, and recreational use is discussed. Breadboard calculations based on actual data illustrate the great improvements which could be made to both commercial and military AUVs if their electrochemical batteries were replaced by Stirling systems. These improvements are examined, and some examples of AUVs using Stirling engines are given. It is contended that whether these systems are adopted depends on the rate of exploitation of offshore resources and the adoption of a particular military strategy