Hybrid Propulsion Systems for Undersea Weapons Navy STTR FY2005 Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2005 Topic No.: N05-T024 Topic Title: Hybrid Propulsion Systems for Undersea Weapons Proposal No.: N054-024-0400 Firm: FuelCell Energy, Inc. 3 Great Pasture Rd. Danbury, Connecticut 06813 Contact: Hossein Ghezel-Ayagh Phone: (203) 825-6048 Web Site: www.fce.com Abstract: This project addresses the development of hybrid propulsion system technology for undersea weapons. The system will integrate a solid oxide fuel cell with a conventional engine or turbine. The proposed system is anticipated to have a superior range compared to conventional propulsion systems as the power for surveillance operations will be provided by a more efficient SOFC subsystem. The conventional engine or turbine subsystem will provide supplementary power during high power prosecution and attack operations. Since various options exist for both the conventional and the fuel cell technology and because undersea weapons are inherently limited in both their gravimetric and volumetric payloads, trade-offs are inevitable. The optimal propulsion system will be determined via multidisciplinary design optimization by investigating combinations of power generating sources, fuel and oxidant types, system design options, and space allocation for each subsystem. A series of performance measurements, such as maximum speed, endurance at maximum speed, surveillance speed, and endurance at surveillance speed will be quantified. The Phase I study will identify the best combination of high and low power generating technologies. The results of this study will be used in Phase II where a more detailed design and development effort will be conducted. Benefits: The commercial spillover benefit of this research activity will provide a means for fuel cells to power auxiliary power units on trucks as well as military vehicles using sulfur-containing petroleum based liquid fuels. The fuel cell system developed under this project could be used in a wide range of civilian applications including auxiliary power units for line-haul commercial freight carriers, heavy-duty trucks, recreational vehicles, ship/boat service fuel cell system, and other remote power generation applications. The proposed research project is perceived to result in a significant breakthrough for application of fuel cells operating on diesel for generation of clean and efficient power. The outcome of this research project is anticipated to entail in reduction of cost and maintenance requirements for fuel cell auxiliary power units. Return