Fuel Cell Powerplant for Deep-Submergence Vehicles

A 20-kW fuel-cell powerplant is being developed by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, under contract to the Naval Ship Systems Command, to power undersea vehicles for deep submergence. The powerplant consists of alkaline fuel cells and auxiliary components for heat and product water management located in a containment vessel. A multiplex-control system minimizes electrical penetration of containment vessels. This powerplant, designated Powercel 15A, when supplied with gaseous hydrogen and oxygen stored at high pressure, will deliver 93 Whr/lb for its designed 36 hr 250 kWhr mission which is three times the energy density of the best batteries in service today.