Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Fuel Cell Energy/Power System Technology Assessment

This paper provides a technology assessment for an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) fuel cell energy/power system (FCEPS), including design methodology and design concepts. The design concepts are based on the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (FC) operating on hydrogen and oxygen. The technology assessment method presented is a holistic approach which combines alternative hydrogen and oxygen storage [and fuel cell system (FCS)] options to provide the highest specific energy and energy density-within the constraints of the UUV application. Using this method, some surprising combinations appear as the theoretical ldquowinnersrdquo for maximum energy storage within the application constraints of the UUV.