The issue of lithium-ion batteries for Australia's future Attack-class submarines is becoming time critical.
The authors (Derek Woolner and David Glynne Jones) of the following MEDIA BACKGROUND, have given Pete permission to publish it:
The authors (Derek Woolner and David Glynne Jones) of the following MEDIA BACKGROUND, have given Pete permission to publish it:
MEDIA
BACKGROUND
Release
date: 20 October 2019
Major
Western Submarine Designers Ready to Proceed
with Transformational Power Systems: status of lithium-ion
battery technology for naval submarine propulsion
with Transformational Power Systems: status of lithium-ion
battery technology for naval submarine propulsion
Several
countries have now revealed their intention to acquire naval combat submarines
within the next decade that will be powered by lithium-ion main batteries.
The following
is a collection of public information to provide the media with background on
the current status of development and adoption of advanced battery power
systems for naval submarine propulsion.
JAPAN
On 4 October
2018 Japan launched the JS Oryu, a Soryu-class attack submarine fitted with
lithium-ion main batteries instead of the conventional lead acid batteries used
in earlier Soryu-class submarines.
“The lithium-ion batteries radically
extend the sub's range and time it can spend underwater.”
The JS Oryu is due to enter service in March
2020. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has advised that the next
three Soryu-class submarines, due to enter service between 2021 and 2024, will
also be fitted with lithium-ion main batteries
https://mags.shephardmedia.com/Show%20Daily/IMDEX_Asia_Day_Two/IMDEX%20Asia%202019%20Day%20Two.pdf [p7]
The JMSDF has
also indicated that some earlier Soryu-class submarines may be refitted with
lithium-ion main batteries.
Initial
development of the next generation of Japanese attack submarines – the 29SS
class – has commenced, and it is expected that these submarines will also use
lithiumion main batteries. The 29SS class will be developed and launched in a
similar timeframe to Australia’s new Attack-class submarines.
1
SOUTH
KOREA
Commencing in
2016, South Korea undertook an intensive 30-month Technology Readiness Assessment
(TRA) to evaluate the suitability of commercially-available lithium-ion battery
technology for naval submarine propulsion.
The outcome
of the TRA process, which involved South Korean defence agencies, the prime
battery system contractor and 11 research institutes, was a decision to
incorporate lithium-ion main battery systems in Block 2 of South Korea’s new
KSS-III class attack submarines. The KSS-III Block 2 submarines will be built
and commissioned in the midlate 2020s.
In the second
quarter of 2019 Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) launched the lead boat of South
Korea’s next generation advanced
midget submarine design, currently known as the HDS-400. While not confirmed,
it is believed that the HDS-400 will use a lithium-ion main battery system
similar to that developed and evaluated for the KSS-III Block 2 large attack
submarine.
GERMANY
In October
2018 Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) announced that they had developed a new
type of lithium-ion main battery system for submarines together with SAFT, a
manufacturer of advanced battery systems for industry.
Dr. Rolf
Wirtz, CEO of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems said "The use of the new battery technology has enormous tactical
advantages. We are entering a new era of submarine construction."
Following the
completion of extensive testing in 2019, TKMS intends to fit the new battery
system to Type 212CD submarines to be supplied to the Norwegian Navy.
FRANCE
At Euronaval
2014 DCNS (now Naval Group, lead supplier for the Australian Attackclass
submarines) announced three new submarine propulsion technologies including “a hull plug equipped with new-generation
high-capacity lithium-ion batteries. Easy to operate, the technology offers
high submerged speeds on demand and improved response to power ramp-up and
variations.”
2
“The (submerged) endurance of a
Scorpene-type submarine is increased to seven days resulting in a significantly
enhanced tactical capability.”
“DCNS has also announced new
generation lithium-ion batteries offering a week's submerged endurance thanks
to their increased capacity.”
“In addition to increased submerged
endurance, the new-generation lithium-ion batteries offer improved response to
power ramp-up and variations as well as deep discharge. Overall, the new
batteries allow a submarine to maintain a submerged speed of 12kts for 24
hours, marking a significant new milestone in SSK performance.”
In October
2018 Naval Group announced that it had developed a high performance and highly
secure Li-ion battery system (known as LIBRT) to provide its conventional
submarines with outstanding operational capabilities. The LIBRT main battery
system also uses lithium-ion battery cells developed and manufactured by SAFT.
Alain
Guillou, Senior Executive Vice-President at Naval Group said “The successful development of the LIBRT
Li-ion batteries systems is a huge technological stride for the new generation
of submarines developed by Naval Group. It provides utmost security guarantees
as well as operational and technological superiority to all our clients
worldwide.”
Naval Group
advised Australian industry media representatives in October 2018 that it
intended to present the Australian Government with the option to integrate the
LIBRT lithium-ion battery system into Batch 2 of the Attack-class program.
In July 2019,
in anticipation of a Dutch Navy requirement for an expeditionary submarine able
to be deployed worldwide, Naval Group announced that it “is working on a Barracuda derivative that is very close to the SMX
Ocean conceptual design displayed at Euronaval 2014. This conventional submarine
of around 4,700 tons shares the dimensions and external design of the Suffren
and Shortfin Barracuda (Australian Attack-class) with a totally different
propulsion system.”
“The SMX Ocean displayed both an AIP
(air independent propulsion) module and lithium-ion batteries instead of
acid-lead batteries commonly used today. A configuration that could allow
transoceanic deployment at high speed followed by a full month of underwater
low-speed operation.”
3
“Lithium batteries offer more power
and faster charging than previous generation (lead acid) batteries. If some
accidental fires occurred in the civilian uses of this type of battery, Naval
Group representatives stress the fact that acid-lead (batteries) are
intrinsically even more dangerous. Military security applied to lithium-ion
batteries is making them a safer solution.”
“Naval Group already uses lithium-ion
batteries underwater, including in the training variant of the F21 torpedo and
on UUVs. Recently, Naval Group simulated an 18-days dive using both their new
generation AIP and lithium batteries. The final proposition to the Netherlands
could use a similar propulsion configuration in order to meet the requirement
of projection in the Caribbean.”
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/07/more-details-on-suffren-the-frenchnavy-next-gen-ssn-on-its-export-ssk-variants/
[sub-heading - A Barracuda derivative for the Dutch Navy]
END
This media
background is provided by Derek Woolner and David Glynne Jones from published
sources.
Derek Woolner is co-author of The
Collins class submarine story: steel, spies and spin. He is a previous
director of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Group in the Parliamentary Research
Service.
David Glynne Jones is an independent advocate for the
adoption of renewable energy technology across all sectors of the Australian
economy. He is currently assessing the implications of emerging advanced
battery technology for electrification of the Australian transport sector.
Media contact: Derek
Woolner
Mobile: 0415 510 028
Email: woolner.jones.21@gmail.com
Mobile: 0415 510 028
Email: woolner.jones.21@gmail.com
4
12 comments:
Hi Pete,
Maybe of interest Lithium Ion Battery - Opportunities and Challenges for Submarines a Saab Kockums presentation at the Undersea Defence Tehcnology conference in Stockholm in May.
/Kjell
Hi Pete
I thought you may like to see this because Looks like Turkey wants to build their own subs
Turkey launches homemade submarine program
https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2019/10/22/turkey-launches-homemade-submarine-program/
Hi Pete
Earlier Soryu is not refitted by LIBs. First, there are neither refit plan nor budget in MoD official reports. Second, as voltages of LAB and NCA-LIB (2V, 3.6V) [1] are different, the circuit system of submarine has to be totally reviewed, reconstructed and improved in battery refit [2]. This is difficult task.
Japanese counterpart of Attack-class submarine may be post-29SS class, not 29SS class [3]
[1]NCA= Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (3.6V ), LFP=Lithium Iron Phosphate (3.6V), LTO=Lithium Titanate (2.4V), TNO=Lithium Titanate Niobate or Titanum-Niobium-Oxid (2.25V).
[2]As well, exchange of LAB (2V) by LFP (3.6V), which may be used for European submarines, does not seem easy task. But, exchange by LTO or TNO may be possible (TNO is much better than LTO).
[3] According to FY 2016 Policy Assessment Report by ATLA , Japanese MoD, new submarine shape for low fluid noise is under research and trial production(FY2017-2022). The result is used for new submarine planning (ca. FY2028).
Regards
Hi /Kjell [your October 23, 2019]
Thanks for sending the Powerpoint presentation: Lithium Ion Battery - Opportunities and
Challenges for Submarines by Anders Wikström of Saab Kockums at
https://www.udt-global.com/__media/libraries/sensors-and-processing/76---Anders-Wikstrom-Slides.pdf
Shows many of the advantages of LIBs over lead-acid batteries as well as the challenges/risks
I see on page 14 that AUSTRALIA'S PMB Defence company is part of the Saab-Kockums (funded by FMV) LIBs study, With PMB having:
"• 30-year history of manufacturing lead acid
batteries for Australia’s Collins class
submarines
• Has conducted research and development
activities on new technology batteries, such as
Li-ion, for many years
• Responsible for module design and
integration"
Reading between the lines Sweden is certainly behind Japan in LIBs for submarine research - and possibly behind South Korea, Germany, France and China.
Regards
Pete
Hi Nicky [your October 23, 2019 comment]
on "Turkey launches homemade submarine program" at
https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2019/10/22/turkey-launches-homemade-submarine-program/
With discussion of "MILDEN, a Turkish acronym for “national submarine." Under the plan, local defense contractors will design, develop and produce the R-class submarines at domestic shipyards by using the technology they earned from an ongoing submarine program." The R-class having AIP heavyweight torpedoes and missiles.
"“The program will be a copy of the German contract,” a naval specialist in Ankara told Defense News" means
COMMENT
1. Is this an Erdogen Turkish nationalist claim? Will Turkey be using German designs and some advice to build submarines in the same way South Korea has built the German designed Type 214s (with AIP)?
South Korea's KSS-III (or "3000" for 3,000+ ton) partly uses German designs. Is Turkey going down that road?
2. Possibly Turkey is talking to Iran about the under Irania development Besat-class submarine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Besat-class_submarine Specs include 1,200 tons and significantly to have "Air independent propulsion".
This may be in the context of broader Turkish-Iranian relations. Often good relations (despite US misgivings) but have suffered a downturn since this month's Turkish invasion of northern Syria - see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran%E2%80%93Turkey_relations#Setback
Is there Turkish-Iranian submarine diplomacy going on to improve relations (and to snub the US)?
Regards
Pete
Hi Anonymous [October 23, 2019 at 9:18 AM]
Thanks for your comment "Earlier Soryu is not refitted by LIBs..." I agree. Retrofitting LABs submarines with LIBs is too expensive and technically difficult.
"[3] According to FY 2016 Policy Assessment Report by ATLA , Japanese MoD, new submarine shape for low fluid noise is under research and trial production(FY2017-2022). The result is used for new submarine planning (ca. FY2028)."
is very interesting and will influence a larger Soryu production Table that I am constructing now.
Regards
Pete
Hi Pete
Recently, JMSDF related personnel confirmed shape of 29SS is nearly same as Soryu, (“Ships of the world”, Oct/2019 ). He also said after commission of 2nd batch of 29SS (=30SS), 29SS will be presumably used as a test submarine.
Shape of submarine does not change until the study on low noise submarine shape (FY2020-2024) is changed. 29SS will adopt better LIB (MKII?). According to ex-Minister of Defense, Mr. Morimoto, Japan has already developed this MKII [1], but, Ouryu equips with old LIB (MKI?) because of lack of budget. MoD is developing more efficient battery system (MKIII?). Late 29SSs might equip with MKIII LIBs. Studies on new sonar and silent drive system started last year.
Post-29SS is expected to have more sensitive sonar system, more silent propulsion and lower noise than 29SS.
Regards
Hi Pete,
"Reading between the lines Sweden is certainly behind Japan in LIBs for submarine research - and possibly behind South Korea, Germany, France and China."
I assume that's an opinion on their progress, it seems that they do have built and tested a demonstrator system.
/Kjell
Thanks /Kjell
For October 23, 2019 comment.
Yes that's just my imperfect opinion or hunch. I should have put it better as "Japan is building a LIBs submarine (27SS and maybe 28SS https://gentleseas.blogspot.com/2019/03/aip-libs-difference-on-japanese.html ) while other countries may build LIBs submarines in future."
Thanks for https://www.udt-global.com/agenda/lithium-ion-battery-opportunities-and-challenges-for-submarines which indicates:
"Saab Kockums has an ongoing project developing a lithium ion battery suitable for installation on a conventional submarine. The project is funded by FMV, and a strong project team has been formed together with PMB Defence (AU) and EST-Floattech (NL). The strong commercial partnering of companies with complementary skills and experience allows leveraging of the massive commercial investment and greater technical depth within an integrated systems team. This integrated systems team approach ensures complete coverage of cell research, technology selection, battery system design, submarine integration, operational analysis and commercial longevity for low cost of ownership. The project goals are to build a battery system based on a standard format, commercially available cell and an existing battery management system, with performance significantly superior to the available lead acid batteries. The system shall be integrated on both existing as well as future submarines, and be able to utilize the ongoing improvements in cell chemistry and energy density without major re-design. A demonstrator system has been built and tested. The results show that the combination of this lithium ion battery with the well-proven Stirling AIP gives performance superior to what today’s conventional submarines can offer."
Regards
Pete
Thanks Anonymous
For your October 23, 2019 at 9:12 PM
I'll use it in the larger Table for Soryu next week.
Regards
Pete
Hi Pete,
Here you have more documents from the Undersea Defence Technology event for instance The A26 project: Status update at the end of the detail design phase and the way ahead towards delivery to the Royal Swedish Navy
/Kjell
Thanks /Kjell
For https://www.udt-global.com/__media/libraries/sensors-and-processing/94---Fredrik-Hellstrom-Paper.pdf
So the 2 A26s "will be verified and validated before they are delivered to the Royal Swedish Navy (RSwN) 2024 and 2025 respectively."
1. I suppose the Swedish Navy will then need 2 or 3 years of further new submarine class performance trials before they become operational around 2027-28?
2. Will 2 more A26s be ordered around 2025 to keep Saab-Kockums production line going and to replace the Gotlands in the early 2030s?
Regards
Pete
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