japan goes back to the future with lithium-ion battery powered submarines

Diesel for nearly a century
Electric submarines are constantly charging with conventional lead
The acid battery runs the diesel engine on the surface or later, while snorkeling near the surface.
This often hurts them because they can only hide under the surface for hours or days at a time.
In the past few decades, the air has been advancing independently (AIP)
Technology has revolutionized traditional diesel
Electric submarine performance capabilities close to the field of expensive and large nuclear submarines have been available in the form of smaller, diesel equipped with diesel at a fraction of the cost
Electric submarine. Now the diesel-
Electric submarines are on the verge of another revolution that will return to its original roots, relying solely on diesel engines and batteries to carry out secret business.
Submarine Technology describes the idea of a multiple strict Submarine configuration.
The same general concept can be implemented in many ways.
From the use of the Stirling engine to the French MESMA (
Translated into autonomous submarine energy module)closed-
Circulating steam turbine system, cutting-
When the submarine is flooded for a long time, the edge fuel cell powers it.
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and cost, complexity, and technical risk are the main factors in addition to the original performance.
For example, Sweden\'s deadly but fairly simple and mature Gotlandclass uses the Stirling engine in the AIP, although the technology has been well proven and affordable, but it can also have its own dangers and can also be mixed with inert gases.
In order for the system to work, Stirling engines and other infrastructure are required, and most of a relatively small submarine is occupied by the system.
In addition, the Stirling engine based on Stirling has many moving parts that make noise even at high rpm
The submarine was designed with sound insulation.
In the 2000 s, Sweden rented a Gotland class submarine from the Navy as an aggressive ship.
It turned out to be a very dangerous enemy, and its AIP technology caught the attention of the main tactical personnel of the US Navy.
The impact of these long war games can still be felt today (US Navy photo)
: French MESMA form of French, such as used in sagosta 90B class in Pakistan, is much more complicated than the Stirling Engine AIP concept.
While it uses ethanol and liquid oxygen combustion to generate steam, not nuclear reactors, to rotate turbines and generate electricity, its role is basically similar to that of nuclear reactors.
Once again, the ship had to go around ethanol, volatile liquid oxygen, and complex machinery --
It makes noise.
Make the system work, but it can generate a lot of energy, which is
Speed operation.
Cost is a major factor because MESMA is not a cheap technology that can be acquired or maintained.
Finally, the fuel cell
Based on AIP, although very high
Technology can\'t be improved quickly-
Just like the MESMA configuration can, its power output is very quiet because there are few moving parts in the system.
It is also a very effective system for long endurance tasks.
So if you don\'t need a quick sprint but need to stay silent and invisible for a long time, there is a huge benefit to this technology.
It is believed that Australia\'s upcoming short-fin Barracuda submarine from France will be pushed forward using fuel cell AIP.
These large submarines will provide the ability to be as close to nuclear propulsion capabilities as possible.
The latest Dolphin-class ships in Israel also use fuel cell AIP, which makes sense because they are the second in Israel
Combating Nuclear Deterrence
All sensors and weapons are equal the Navy must prove that it is reasonable to choose which diesel electric submarine is based not only on the cost, but also on which tactics they intend to adopt, and what kind of combat environment they are most likely to use.
For example, if long
Remote Patrol and ambush tactics are common and fuel cell AIP technology may be the best with the need for maximum stealth.
If the outbreak is high-
Speed is required when attacking and escaping actions, as well as high endurance, MESMA is probably the most appropriate. For shorter-
Long-range coastal combat operations of the Stirling engine
AIP-based technology is probably the most meaningful.
The problem is that with the huge leap in battery technology over the past few decades, AIP technology may soon face severe competition in the submarine war.
The first electric submarine was built for Spain in 1888. tech diesel-
As Japan today pioneered a concept designed to completely eliminate the AIP, electric submarines may begin to return to their simpler roots.
Their next generation of Soryu diesel
Electric attack submarine will be equipped with lithium-
Ion batteries, like submarines before World War I, will run separately on the sea floor with batteries.
The Soryu class is already a very modern submarine that was put into use more than a decade ago.
As a product of the former Oyashio class, these are not small boats, submerged 4,200 tons, 275 feet long, the largest submarine built by Japan since the end of World War II.
They are also equipped with the \"X\" tail machine configuration to achieve extreme operability in a tight coastal environment.
Introduction to soyuban (
Russia/Wikipedia)
: There are seven ships running today, all of which take advantage of the stellar Engine AIP technology that is licensed directly from Kockums
The same Swedish company that produces Gothic lanban.
Japan is an island country with a long and complex coastline, patrolling the territory and protecting the coast with submarines.
Therefore, the Stirling engine proved and affordable-
The AIP-based technology, combined with the large and ample fuel tanks of the class, is perfect for their needs.
But now, Japan wants to completely eliminate the AIP technology without losing benefits, which can make room for other capabilities while simplifying the design, construction and maintenance of future submarines.
Most importantly, this new configuration should run quieter than most existing AIP submarines.
The idea is to install thousands of lithium.
Ion batteries, as well as powerful diesel engines and generators, as well as large exhaust and air intake stacks that hold them, are designed with adjusted Soryu.
The concept also includes a new power handling system that can handle high power loads and optimize efficiency.
Basically, the configuration is similar to standard diesel-
Electric submarines that use diesel engines and batteries only, but inject new technologies. Lithium-
Ion batteries have many advantages over old batteriesschool lead-acid cousins.
They can keep the output even if the charge is insufficient, they are lighter than lead
Acid batteries, they charge very fast (
So more powerful diesel engines and generators)
They can store more energy.
Compared to the AIP system they intend to replace, the endurance should be similar, and the propulsion system design of the overall ship will not be so complicated and cumbersome.
Not only that, lithium-
The ion battery can provide a large output on demand, compared to the battery running on the AIP system, it allows the boat to flush mud faster when diving.
The main drawback of lithium is
Ion batteries are well known: they are called \"out of control\" and burn-
What you don\'t want on a submarine.
When they do, they produce high amounts of heat, release toxic smoke and discharge conductive dust.
It is also difficult to eliminate them using traditional means.
But because in a big sea, weight is not so important.
In order to reduce the risk of fire and the potential catastrophic consequences, new emission reduction methods can be adopted.
Soryu class ship under repair (
Hunini/Wiki shared resources)
: Supplier is working with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
Defense forces overcome these concerns by making more lithium
Ionic cell substrates with enhanced boundaries and enhanced chemical reactions are less sensitive to these types of events.
Broad short
Circuit, salt water intrusion, drop and impact tests were also performed to demonstrate the battery for this critical use.
In addition, a special fire extinguishing system will be installed on the advanced Soryu ship to quickly and automatically neutralize the fire in case of a fire in the battery room. Lithium-
Previously, Ion batteries had problems with aircraft and divers, but Japan was investing billions of dollars to make the technology work, and the last three European-class ships were designated for lithium-ion propulsion.
Now the seventh ship in the water can also use lithium-
Ion battery, although it may be combined with four Stirling engines on earlier models.
The ship can serve as a \"bridge\" between the new lithium\"
The ion battery configuration and the old AIP configuration can also be used as a technical presenter for small-scale deployment of new batteries on submarines.
The Soryu class almost completely covers the acoustic tiles (
Ji Nan Zhongshan/Wiki shared resources)
: With this new Soryuclass configuration, it is possible for Japan to improve their image as a builder of excellent attack submarines, reaching the world\'s leading position in the new conventional field
Submarine technology.
If this type is proven to be reliable and safe, this may mean serious exports.
Next, the success of lithium in Japan --
Ion-battery-powered submarines could also mean a sharp drop in their AIP prices
Such as ability.
Not only that, other configurations of existing AIP technology paired with lithium
Ion batteries may also appear, offering some users the best of both worlds.
Pairing of lithium
For example, ion batteries and fuel cells can lead to highly capable and versatile submarines with superior endurance, very quiet operation, fast acceleration and high sprint speed.
In fact, there are rumors that China is trying to make lithium-
Now have the ion battery of your submarines submarine.
However, the cost and complexity of this hybrid design will exceed the requirements of Japan or most of the Navy.
The schematic diagram of the so-called \"super solyu\" class submarine is designed to meet Australia\'s requirements for a new advanced attack submarine.
It uses lithium.
Ion batteries have replaced the AIP, which many see as a favorite to win the tender.
In endDCNS, their short fin Baraccudaconcept is considered to take advantage of fuel cell AIP technology.
Taking into account Australia\'s extreme range requirements for submarines, it is not surprising that even the expanded \"super solyou\" designed for more territorial operations has been crossed: american Navy coming out of diesel
The electric submarine business experienced a submarine deficit 27 years ago, showing no signs of weakening.
If Japan proves this successfully
Technology, but simpler, probably cheaper lithium-
Diesel powered by ion-
Electric submarines can achieve similar or better performance as ships equipped with AIP, and as the best nuclear submarine, all of which do not have the same acoustic features, the United States should take action to adopt this technology.
The blue back is the last diesel.
Electric submarines in the U. S. Navy fleet.
It has been an aggressive ship for many years, but by 1990 the Navy had turned to the full nuclear submarine force.
Blueback, a feature of Red in October, now lives at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry: As we discussed before, the US Navy has every reason to invest in diesel
Now, electric submarines have evolved a lot over the past 30 years.
For so many missions, nuclear submarines are not needed, and their huge infrastructure needs and security issues make it impossible for them to set up bases in foreign countries.
But now it may not even need AIP, and the Navy can solve its attack submarine capability problem by adopting Japanese technology and building their own version of advanced Soryuclass with permission.
This will provide the highest
Provide technical solutions at the lowest possible cost.
About four Soryuclass boats can buy the price list Virginiaclass SSN today.
If Soryu derivatives are put into a wider range of production, their prices will fall further.
Sadly, the political and special interests behind US Navy shipbuilding, especially submarine construction, and the Navy\'s blind reluctance to deviate from its only nuclear submarine strategy are almost impossible to achieve such a logical proposition.
Regardless of the US Navy\'s extreme obsession with keeping all nuclear submarine troops, watch Japan continue to deploy their first lithium-
Diesel powered by ion-
Electric attack submarine.
Don\'t expect them to be shy about having this ability.
Once they find technology stable, they may show off and try to offset their investment with export sales.
Contact author: Tyler @ thedrive
The article was originally published on the drive.