Design and Operation of a Low Pressure Electrolyzer (LPE) for Submarine Applications

2001-01-2441

07/09/2001

Event
31st International Conference On Environmental Systems
Authors Abstract
Content
A Low Pressure Electrolyzer (LPE) is being developed to provide metabolic oxygen aboard US nuclear submarines. The system is derived from a more complex system already developed for the Virginia Class of attack submarines. The LPE generates up to 250 standard cubic feet per hour (SCFH) of oxygen at ambient pressure through electrolysis of water utilizing SPEĀ® (Solid Polymer Electrolyte) technology. The hydrogen is generated at pressures suitable for disposal overboard. The system operates unattended which minimizes crew workload, and can safely shut down without crew intervention. Generating oxygen at ambient pressure significantly reduces risk to personnel and greatly simplifies the system. Reliability, maintainability, safety, and ease of operation are major system design drivers.
Meta TagsDetails
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4271/2001-01-2441
Pages
12
Citation
Bishop, B., and Colling, A., "Design and Operation of a Low Pressure Electrolyzer (LPE) for Submarine Applications," SAE Technical Paper 2001-01-2441, 2001, https://doi.org/10.4271/2001-01-2441.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
Jul 9, 2001
Product Code
2001-01-2441
Content Type
Technical Paper
Language
English