Energy Storage for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

Energy storage is one of the key technology for underwater vehicles. Many kind of batteries have been developed for underwater systems. An ocean-going autonomous underwater vehicle powered by a polymer electrode membrane fuel cell system was completed by Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology. The fuel cell system generates 4 kW of electric power for the control electronics and propulsion system. Hydrogen gas is stored under low pressure in the metal hydride. Heat generated by the fuel cell is used to discharge hydrogen gas into the metal hydride. This paper presents the test results of the fuel cell, storage system and 5,600 mol discharge result in the underwater cruise.