M4-NUWC Overview Fontaine.pdf

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Conclusion
Energy storage is the limiting factor for these next generation
systems
– New technology development must be tempered by:
• Safety (personnel and platform)
• Robust
• Long shelf life
• Pressure tolerant system
• Total ownership cost
Fuel Cell technology has the potential to greatly increase UUV
mission time compared with current battery technology.
High energy dense low power batteries key enablers for
Distributed Netted Sensors
Main challenges for UUV application:
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Fuel & Oxygen Storage Density (liquids preferred, potential Solid NaBH4 dissolution)
Stack reliability for multiple thermal/Electrochem cycles & 1000’s of hours operation
Minimal startup requirements