A Rankine Cycle Powerplant with Boron Slurry Fuel

A thermochemical powerplant for underwater applications featuring a low temperature Rankine cycle power loop and a fuel consisting of elemental boron slurried in a water carrier is described. The special features of the boron slurry fuel that make it attractive for underwater applications are detailed and some exploratory test results shown. A typical application to a deep operating submersible is examined and comparisons made with battery and fuel cell power sources.