Australia's Future Submarines Likely To Keep Lead Acid Batteries.

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.

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