Australian submarine expert Derek
Woolner and Lithium-ion Battery (LIB)
expert David Glynne Jones have warned that Australia’s future Attack-class
submarines could be inferior on commissioning in the 2030s if they don’t use LIBs.
This has been reported in more detail here
and here.
Those countries with “superior” LIBs for submarine include Japan which is building
LIBs submarines right now. South Korea and China are likely to build LIBs submarines within
the next 15 years.
Bio Details
Derek Woolner co-authored The
Collins class submarine story: steel, spies and spin. He has performed contractual
services for Australia’s future Attack class submarine program.
David Glynne Jones is an advocate of transport
electrification using renewable sources, including those hooked up to Lithium-ion
batteries.
COMMENT
It appears that the Australian Government and Naval Group
intend to build the future Attack class with old style, but proven, lead-acid
batteries. The Australian Government are concerned that LIBs for submarines are
unproven operationally and there are safety concerns that LIB batteries have a
higher chance (than lead-acid batteries) of overheating, burning and even exploding if not
managed properly.
The advantages of LIBs are that:
- they can be recharged more quickly meaning quicker/more
discrete snorting periods
and
- can be hold more electrical power than lead-acid batteries. LIBs have a greater average
charge/discharge efficiency of 85% (see LIB sidebar) compared to lead-acid batteries which have a
lower average of around 72.5% (see lead-acid battery sidebar). Submarines with LIBs
might prudently (ie. always retaining 50% battery capacity for rapid tactical movement
/emergencies) snort every 5 days or more. Estimates are vary variable. That would mean longer
fully submerged submarine operation of 5 days or more. This is compared to every 1 to 2 days
prudent snorting for subs with lead-acid batteries.
charge/discharge efficiency of 85% (see LIB sidebar) compared to lead-acid batteries which have a
lower average of around 72.5% (see lead-acid battery sidebar). Submarines with LIBs
might prudently (ie. always retaining 50% battery capacity for rapid tactical movement
/emergencies) snort every 5 days or more. Estimates are vary variable. That would mean longer
fully submerged submarine operation of 5 days or more. This is compared to every 1 to 2 days
prudent snorting for subs with lead-acid batteries.
The Attack class will
use an unknown number of MTU 4000 or, perhaps less likely MTU 396 diesels.
The Australian Government has implied that it may adopt LIBs
in future. Pete Comment - However this is unlikely for the first batch of 6 Attack
class as LIBs require whole new space and buoyancy solutions and new electrical fittings
throughout a submarine.
Pete
1 comment:
The big mistake is pursuing this old tech, seeing Li batteries are “reality” for Japan and being proved as we speak. I find it hard to believe that by 2025 Li won’t be proved. Li will be everyday tech in five years and we won’t even have a single keel laid by then. May our plan “B” being the A26ER VL with Saab& ASC back in the race. Now at least they will have Li and the Stirling in on the deal.
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