A modular approach to UUV propulsion using aluminum/oxygen semi-fuel cells

A modular approach to UUV (unmanned underwater vehicle) power source design and construction is described. A range of output power for near term UUVs from 300 W to 5 kW and a range of energy capacity from 15 to 500 kWh is considered. The different power and energy requirements are all met by use of a modular aluminum-oxygen semi-fuel cell with essentially the same anode area but with a different anode thickness and number of cells. The control system and many other components can also be used for different applications maximising the economical use of resources and reducing development time. The approach is illustrated by several examples including the pre-production prototype design being built with a capacity of 2.0 kW and 100 kWh for the ARCS vehicle. Test results for the cell stack are reported and life cycle costs compared to conventional batteries