wispywood2344, on September 11, 2022, made very interesting comments and provided Japanese language documents (now translated by Pete) regarding the developments of Japan's Submarine Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs) Program from 2006 out to 2023.
COMMENTS
The Japanese Ministry of Defense's (MoD's) Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI) (see the present MoD Acquisition Technology & Logistic's Agency (ATLA) pointed out that the advantages of Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs) over Lead-acid Batteries (LABs) are not only that more than twice energy density for LIBs, but also higher charging speeds, and also that more than 1.5 times more charge-discharge cycles in the LIBs' lifetime. [1]
This means that compared to LABs, LIBs can handle 3 (=2x1.5) times more energy until they need to be replaced.
If the total amount of energy handled in a year is equivalent, the battery replacement frequency of LIBs can be less than 1/3 of the replacement frquency than LABs.
Then, Let's consider the impact of this on the Japanese Navy aka Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) submarine fleet. In addition to the effect of the 1.33(=640 LIBs/480 LABs) times increase in the number of LIBs units installed [2], the frequency of battery replacement in the JMSDF LIBs submarine [the Taigeis and the Soryu's Oryu and Toryu] will be less than 1/4 of that in the conventional JMSDF LABs submarines [all the Soryus (except Oryu and Toryu) and all the Oyashios]. See Table [5] at the end of this article.
The JMSDF LABs submarines experience battery replacement once every 6 years.
So it can be expected that the JMSDF LIBs submarines will need LIBs replacement once every 24 years. What is noteworthy is that this is almost equal to the lifetime of a JMSDF submarine.
In other words, there is a strong possibility that the JMSDF LIB submarines will not experience any battery replacement until their decommission.
As battery technology continues to advance [3], the current submarine LIBs formula/types are expected to become obsolete in the future.
Eliminating the need for battery replacement would eliminate the need to procure technologically-obsolete batteries for replacements, thereby rationalizing the procurement of submarine batteries. Also see Document [4] and Table [5].
DOCUMENTS
[1] A Japanese document translated by Pete https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11339364/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/results/18/jigo/honbun/jigo05_honbun.pdf
Fiscal 2006 Policy Evaluation
Report (Ex-post project evaluation)
Department in charge: the Technical Planning Office, Department of Accounting and Equipment
Implementation period: October
2006 to March 2007
Project name: Research on new
main storage batteries for submarines
Policy system: Ⅰ-4-(2)-② Research (development)
Business description: As the
main storage battery (Note 1) for next-generation submarines, we will conduct
research on high-performance main storage batteries that will replace the
lead-acid batteries (Note 2) currently in use.
Technical data.
(Note 1) Main storage battery:
A general term for all storage batteries used as a power source for submarine
propulsion and on-board auxiliary equipment.
(Note 2) Lead-acid battery: A
storage battery composed of a lead dioxide positive electrode, a lead negative
electrode, and an acidic aqueous solution.
Required expenses: about 4.6
billion yen [US$32.1 million]
○ Contents of evaluation
1 Purpose of business
Lithium batteries with high
energy density (Note 5) can replace lead-acid batteries, which are heavy and
bulky, complicated to handle, and have long snorkel charging times (Note 3).
The aim was to study the Muion
secondary battery (Note 6) as a new high-performance main storage battery for
submarines and to demonstrate its feasibility and effectiveness.
(Note 3) Snorkel charging
time: A submarine takes in air from a snorkel that is exposed to the surface of
the sea, and uses diesel power to charge the onboard storage battery.
Time to charge
(Note 4) Target strength:
(Target Strength) An index that expresses the strength of the sound reflected
from the target (strength of reflected sound/strength of incident sound)
(Note 5) Energy density:
Amount of energy that can be generated per unit weight or volume
(Note 6) Lithium-ion secondary
battery: Lithium ion and metal oxide for positive electrode, carbon-based
material for negative electrode, organic solvent of lithium salt for
electrolyte, capable of repeated use.
Battery
2 Achievements
(1) Achievement effect
By achieving the following
technical items, we have established a technological base for using large,
high-capacity lithium-ion secondary batteries as the main storage battery for
submarines.
stood up. In addition, the
submarine's anti-detection ability and maneuverability will be improved, its
underwater endurance will be extended, its ability to evade attacks will be
improved, and its maintainability will be improved.
We obtained technical data on
the performance, safety and life of submarine main storage batteries that can
contribute to the above.
A. Energy density
By adopting a lithium-ion
secondary battery, we have realized a new storage battery with an energy
density per weight volume that is more than double that of a lead-acid battery.
B. Charging efficiency
Compared to lead-acid
batteries, lead-acid batteries can be charged more efficiently, and the
decrease in electrical capacity (amount of electricity that can be discharged)
due to high-rate discharge is reduced.
I confirmed that it is smaller
than the battery.
C. Safety
It was confirmed that the designed
safety can be ensured [against] overcharge, overdischarge, and external short-circuit
conditions.
D. Number of charge/discharge
repetitions [cycles]
It was confirmed that the
number of charge-discharge repetitions was 1.5 times or more that of a
lead-acid battery, and that the battery had excellent life characteristics.
(2) Achievement period
Research prototypes were
started in 2002, and in-house tests were completed by 2005.
(3) Matters such as lessons
learned
This research aims to increase
the capacity of lithium-ion secondary batteries, which are being used more and
more in the private sector, with a view to putting them into practical use.
Future action
In this research, we have
confirmed the function and performance with the actual equipment in mind, and
we are planning to install the results of this research in the submarine built
in 2020. [This was achieved, with JS Oryu being Commissioned with LIBs in March 2020]
○ Other reference information
Configuration of the prototype
----------------------- Attachment 1
Technology comparison with
domestic & foreign countries Attachment 2
[2] The JMSDF specification
"Submarine motor system (SMC-8B)" p.9
[3] A Japanese document translated by Pete with some difficulty https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11339364/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/results/30/pdf/jizen_08_honbun.pdf
FY2018 Policy Evaluation
Report (preliminary project evaluation)
Responsible Department Name:
Defense Acquisition Agency Project Management Department Business Supervisor
(Naval Ships)
Evaluation implementation
period: July 2018 to August 2018
1 business name
Research prototype of
high-efficiency power storage and supply system for submarines
2 Positioning in the policy
system
(1) Name of measure
Promotion of research and
development
(2) Overview of measures
Given the severe financial
situation, prioritize the implementation of R&D that meets the operational
needs of the Self-Defense Forces.
In order to ensure that, when
starting R&D, ensure consistency with the priority order of defense
buildup.
It can also respond to new
threats and ensure technological superiority in areas of strategic importance.
Trends in science and
technology, changes in combat modalities, cost-effectiveness, possibility of
international joint research and development, etc.
We will promote research and
development based on a medium- to long-term perspective, while also taking into
account From the perspective of security, technology.
Always keep abreast of trends
in science and technology, such as development-related information, and combine
the strengths of industry, academia, and government.
A technology management system
to prevent the outflow of advanced technology, etc.
Strengthen your ability. In
addition, through enhanced cooperation with universities and research
institutes, civil
In addition to striving to
actively utilize technology (dual-use technology),
We plan to expand.
(3) Goals to be achieved
Prioritize research and development that meets the operational needs of the Self-Defense Forces. In addition, new threats the latest scientific and technological developments to ensure technological superiority in areas of strategic importance.
Medium- to long-term, while
taking into account the direction of warfare, changes in combat modalities,
cost-effectiveness, and the possibility of international joint research and
development.
We will promote research and
development based on diverse perspectives.
3. Business overview, etc.
(1) Business overview
Future submarines will have
the ability to perform missions in a more stringent security environment and a
higher level of detection and defense.
Sustainability and mobility
are required, and it is necessary to study how to meet these requirements.
In this project, in order to
improve the submarine's underwater sustainability and to control the size of
the submarine, an electric power storage system will be installed.
Prototype system and power
supply system, miniaturize main storage battery for submarine, increase energy.
This is to establish
technology for downsizing and improving the efficiency of equipment such as
power converters.
(2) Required expenses
Approximately 4.4 billion yen [US$30.7 millions] (approximate amount requested in 2019. Including the amount to be borne in later years. Total cost of research prototypes: approx. 8.2 billion yen [US$57.3 million]
(3) Timing of project
implementation
A research prototype will be
implemented from FY2019 to FY2022. In addition, the results of this project and
related precedents.
Combined with the results of
the project, an in-house test simulating the state of installation on a
submarine will be conducted in FY2023.
Implement and verify the
results. (Experimental research expenses for in-house tests will be recorded
separately.)
[Japanese Imperial] Years 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35
36
Actual project (research
prototype)
Done
Of which, related preceding
business In-house test
Capacity
Research implementation
schedule
4 Aim of evaluation
Conducted a preliminary
evaluation of research to be newly implemented from FY2019 among the research and development
projects thing. Evaluation was made from the viewpoint of necessity, efficiency
and effectiveness of this research.
5 Policy evaluation results
(1) Necessity
A Reason for the Ministry of
Defense to implement the project
This project aims to improve
the efficiency and energy of the power storage and supply system installed on
submarines.
This is a research and
verification [program] that considers the feasibility and safety of the submarine as a
whole is essential.
Therefore, since there is no
research institute other than the Ministry of Defense that conducts the
research, the Ministry of Defense is independent.
You have to do it yourself.
B Necessity of implementation
from the relevant fiscal year
The results of this project
are related to the basics of submarines, such as the size of the hull and the
amount of power supplied.
Maritime Self-Defense Force's
total ship (entire submarine including on-board equipment) study.
This is the premise of
off-study (examination for reconciling contradictory performance).
In order to carry out these
studies with high precision without rework, it is necessary to obtain results
within FY2023.
However, since it takes 5 years including the research prototype and the in-house test, FY 2019.
C. Reasons for not relying on
existing organizations, equipment, etc.
In other countries, Germany is
developing lithium-ion batteries for submarines.
The power storage technology and power supply technology are highly sensitive, including the other countries.
In addition, [the aim of minimising] the enlargement of the hull and improving
underwater sustainability.
Since it is essential to
connect with the study of the ship, it is expected that the equipment of other
countries will be introduced as it is.
D. Status of comparative examination with alternative means
We examined the
possibility of improving and improving the existing equipment, the current
power storage and supply system.
In the system, the
high-density installation of the main storage battery, miniaturization and high
efficiency of the entire power supply circuit could not be implemented.
Elucidation and investigation
of technical issues such as new design and safety of the entire power supply
system equipment, power storage / supply characteristics, etc.
Since proof is required, this
research and development is necessary instead of light improvements and
improvements.
(2) Efficiency
Among the components of the
submarine's power storage and supply system, the minimum necessary for
clarifying technical issues
By making a prototype of a
limited combination, we aim to shorten the research period and reduce the cost.
(3) Effectiveness
A. Effects to be obtained
(a) Main storage battery high
capacity technology
High-precision measurement
technology for voltage, temperature, etc., and charging technology that can
demonstrate the capabilities of submarine main storage batteries.
While establishing discharge
management technology, we will apply the latest storage material technology to
increase the capacity of the main storage battery.
(b) High-density outfitting technology for main storage battery and power supply system equipment.
Confirm high-density
outfitting technology for submarines, cooling technology for high-density
outfitting, fire extinguishing technology, etc.
(c) High-efficiency power conversion, power saving technology
High-efficiency power supply
technology and high-efficiency power that meet the load characteristics, safety,
and environmental resistance of submarines.
Establish conversion
technology and protection device technology.
B How to grasp the effect.
In this project, we will
design and manufacture a prototype and test each component.
Confirm the overall performance
of the system by conducting in-house tests simulating the state of installation
on a watership.
At the same time, we will
verify whether technological superiority and safety are ensured.
In the design and manufacture
of prototypes, the technical validity of the design shall be
Conduct business while confirming In addition, are the "General Guidelines for National Research and Development Evaluation" (decided by the Prime Minister in 2016), multiple stages of research and development before and during the project.
We are planning to conduct
evaluations to ensure appropriate project implementation.
(4) Cost and effect
In implementing this project, Japan's excellent consumer technology such as battery technology and power conversion element technology should be used to test and evaluate the feasibility and safety of the ship as a whole for installation on a submarine.
Targets are narrowed down to
reduce costs. In addition, we will gradually introduce these consumer
technologies that are developing rapidly.
Considering that it is easy to
replace the main storage battery, the design makes it easy to replace the
battery.
Aim to reduce cycle costs.
While making these efforts, in addition to the establishment of various technologies mentioned in the previous issue, the superiority of these technologies is expected to be secured, it is judged appropriate to start this project.
6 Timing of ex-post
verification
Regarding technical verification, the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency will provide technical verification at the intermediate stage. In addition, after verifying the progress of this project in cooperation with the administrative project review, will carry out rational policy evaluation.
7 Comprehensive evaluation
By implementing this project,
it is expected that the various technologies mentioned in item 5, item 3 will
be established.
These results will be verified through in-house tests simulating installation on a submarine. If the verification results are obtained, Japan will develop world-leading high-capacity storage materials and high-efficiency.
Establishment of basic
technology for applying power conversion devices to submarines is expected.
These are extremely important
achievements in securing technological superiority in areas of strategic
importance.
Ultimately, this will lead to
the establishment of a foundation for demonstrating the capability of the
defense force, which is the policy goal.
8 Opinions of Experts
- If the results of this
research can be used in the private sector, we would like you to consider the
transfer of technology.
・ A little more additional explanation about the performance improvement of high efficiency and miniaturization of the power supply system.
- I would like you to consider
conducting post-evaluation after the completion of research and development for
which pre-evaluation was conducted.
9 Direction of reflection in
policies, etc.
Based on the comprehensive
evaluation, a budget request for FY2019 will be implemented.
10 Other reference information
Research summary (Attachment)
[4] Example of success - commissioning ceremony for new sub JS Toryu March 24, 2021 https://www.mod.go.jp/en/article/2021/03/edb7a684dc1b61b33d4462cf7d5fde9e7866eb40.html “...Defense Minister Nakayama attended the commission ceremony for the new submarine JS Toryu, the 12th submarine of “Soryu” type and instructed to the crew.
The newer “Soryu” type submarine that were planned after FY2015 [equipped with] lithium batteries that are superior in underwater durability. “Toryu” is to be deployed at the 6th Submarine Division and enhances our information gathering, warning and surveillance capability .”
[5] Submarine Matters' Oyashio-Soryu-Taigei TABLE as at September 12, 2022.
SS No. Diesel Type Motor | Build No Name | Pennant No. | MoF approved amount ¥ Billions FY | LABs, LIBs, AIP | Laid Down | Laun -ched | Commi ssioned | Built By |
5SS Oyashio | 8105 Oyashio | SS-590/ TS3608 | ¥52.2B FY1993 2 x 12V25/25S diesels for all Oyashio class (each diesel 2,000kW) | LABs only | Jan 1994 | Oct 1996 | Mar 1998 | KHI |
6SS-15SS Oyashios 10 subs SMC-7? | 8106 -8115 various | SS-591-600 | ¥52.2B per sub FY1994-FY2003 | LABs only | 15SS Feb 2004 | 15SS Nov 2006 | 15SS Mar 2008 | MHI & KHI |
16SS Dragon class Mk I | 8116 | SS-501 | ¥60B FY2004 all Mk.1 LAB+AIP Soryus have 2 x Kawasaki 4,240kW) + 4 AIP SMC-8 motor | LABs + AIP | Mar 2005 | Dec 2007 | Mar 2009 | MHI |
17SS | 8117 Unryū | SS-502 | ¥58.7B FY2005 | LABs + AIP | Mar 2006 | Oct 2008 | Mar 2010 | KHI |
18SS | 8118 Hakuryū | SS-503 | ¥56.2 FY2006 | LABs + AIP | Feb 2007 | Oct 2009 | Mar 2011 | MHI |
19SS | 8119 Kenryū | SS-504 | ¥53B FY2007 | LABs + AIP | Mar 2008 | Nov 2010 | Mar 2012 | KHI |
20SS | 8120 Zuiryū | SS-505 | ¥51B FY2008 | LABs + AIP | Mar 2009 | Oct 2011 | Mar 2013 | MHI |
21SS LIBs Concept Research Project | No 21SS built. It was an 8 year research project on LIBs. 1st LIBs sub launched was 27SS in 2018. | |||||||
22SS | 8121 Kokuryū | SS-506 | ¥52.8B FY2010 | LABs + AIP | Jan 2011 | Oct 2013 | Mar 2015 | KHI |
23SS | 8122 Jinryu | SS-507 | ¥54.6B FY2011 | LABs + AIP | Feb 2012 | Oct 2014 | 7 Mar 2016 | MHI |
24SS | 8123 Sekiryū | SS-508 | ¥54.7B FY2012 | LABs + AIP | KHI | |||
25SS | 8124 | SS-509 | ¥53.1B FY2013 | LABs + AIP | 22 Oct 2013 | 12 Oct 2016 | MHI | |
26SS | 8125 | SS-510 | LABs + AIP | 2014 | 6 Nov 2017 | KHI | ||
27SS a Soryu "Mk II" as it has LIBs. 1st Soryu Mk II | 8126 | SS-511 | SMC-8B motor Soryu Mk IIs may have twice as many batteries as Mk Is, ie 960 LIB-arrays in Mk IIs, other improvements | LIBs only (SLH type) | Nov 2015 | 4 Oct 2018 | 2020 | MHI |
28SS Soryu Mk II, final Soryu | 8127 | SS-512 | NCA? LIBs | Jan 2017 | KHI | |||
29SS 1st Taigei Class "Big whale" 3,000 tonne (surfaced) | 8128 Taigei "Big whale" | SS-513 | ¥76B FY2017 (Heisei 29) Higher ¥76B budget may be due to 1st of class many changes & new layout of LIBs. 2 x 12V25/25SB diesels or variants (totaling | SLH LIBs maybe 960 | 14 Oct 2020 | 9 Mar 2022 | MHI | |
30SS 2nd Taigei Class | 8129 Hakugei "White whale" | SS-514 | SLH LIBs | March? 2023 | KHI | |||
31/01SS 3rd Taigei Class | SS-515 | ¥B? FY2019 (Reiwa 01) | SLH LIBs maybe 960+ | 2019? | 2022? | 2024? | MHI | |
02SS 4th Taigei Class | 8130? | SS-516 | Impro ved SLH LIBs | 2020? | 2022? | 2024? | KHI? | |
03SS | 8131? | SS-517 | ¥B? FY2021 | LIBs | 2021? | 2023? | 2025? | KHI? |
04SS | 8132? | SS-518 | ¥B? FY2022 | LIBs | 2022? | 2024? | 2026? | MHI? |
05SS | 8133? | SS-519 | ¥B? FY2023 | LIBs | 2023? | 2025? | 2027? | KHI? |
06SS | 8134? | SS-520 | ¥B? FY2024 | LIBs | 2024? | 2026? | 2028? | MHI? |
07SS | 8135? | SS-521 | ¥B? FY2025 | LIBs | 2025? | 2027? | 2029? | KHI? |
08SS | 8136? | SS-522 | ¥B? FY2026 | LIBs | 2026? | 2028? | 2030? | MHI? |
¥***B = Billion Yen. MHI = Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, KHI = Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation of Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
13 comments:
Hello Pete
MEANWHILE, ACROSS THE TSUSHIMA STRAIT & THE WESTERN CHANNEL . . .
In 2022, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are almost ubiquitous. They are in mobile devices, commercial aircraft, Japanese and South Korean submarines, utility-scale electricity distribution systems and even robotic dogs.
Yet the energy needs of electric vehicles, local grid back-up storage systems and modern defense equipment are ever increasing.
These needs have led research scientists and engineers to search for next generation batteries that will offer performance characteristics beyond the practical limits of mature lithium-ion battery technology.
One future battery technology gaining attention both from Australian and overseas energy storage developers is the lithium-sulphur battery.
The first Lithium-sulphur battery was patented by American scientists Ulam Juliusz and Herbert Danuta as far back as 1962.
While presenting very desirable theoretical characteristics, lithium-sulphur technologies long faced more complex performance, durability and production problems than did lithium-ion (or lithium-metal).
Despite its recognized potential, lithium-sulphur battery's commercialization has thus lagged decades behind lithium-ion.
_______________________________________________
In a press release dated Thursday, 10 September 2020, ( see https://www.airframer.com/news_story.html?release=76152 ) South Korea's LG Chem announced plans to mass-produce a lithium-sulphur battery that has an energy density more than twice that of present lithium-ion battery designs beginning in 2025.
In support of its plans, LG demonstrated the capabilities of its new technology by installing high performance lithium-sulphur batteries in a solar-powered High Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute.
By successfully performing a thirteen hour test flight at high stratospheric altitudes, this demonstration by LG confirmed that its lithium-sulphur battery exhibits stable performance in extreme environments. Its EAV-3 UAV was operated at altitudes up to 22kms, temperatures of minus 70 degrees celsius and at very low atmospheric pressure.
Sulphur is the fifth most abundant element by mass on Earth. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, that need expensive nickel / cobalt cathodes, LG's new lithium-sulphur batteries use lower cost sulphur and lithium metal cathodes to deliver energy density greater than 500 KWh per ton.
Even more unlike (many) lithium-ion batteries, the battery chemistry of lithium sulphur cells makes them immune to runaway overheat events and fires like one that gutted the US Navy's high tech Advanced Seal Delivery System in 2008.
_______________________________________________
OSINT websites have speculated that a South Korean mini sub (the HDS-400) fitted with LIB batteries ( ?? and NO diesel gensets ?? ) can attain a 600 NM radius of action with a half dozen torpedoes aboard.
From an HDS-400 baseline design, add a lithium-sulphur battery and a hull plug for either a diesel genset and fuel bunker or ( !!! ) a smallish heat-pipe reactor (think NR-1 with 50 years better reactor technology) and you hopefully get an affordable fleet of shallow water area-denial assets that (due to a high number of lower cost boats) would be very hard to target in a zero-warning first day strike.
Just saying.
BUREAUCRATUS LEX SEPTEMBER 13 2022
Hi Pete,
Unrelated to LIBs, but an important development with regard to Japan's 're-armament' program:
During the ongoing 2+2 Ministerial (Defence & Foreign Ministries) dialogue between Japan & India, the Indian side has expressed its support for Japan's development of 'counter-strike' capabilities.
https://theprint.in/diplomacy/22-talks-india-vows-to-back-japans-plan-to-develop-counter-strike-capabilities-aimed-at-china/1120992/
While the terms 'counter-strike' and 'counter-value' are invariably linked to nuclear weapons in any other context, it appears that at least so far the Japanese are only hinting at a conventional long-range strike capability with cruise missiles. The procurement in question is this:
https://japan-forward.com/japan-defense-ministry-to-acquire-1500-long-range-missiles/
Keeping in mind what you have already written on your blog regarding Japan's capability to go nuclear in a 'long weekend', I think nobody can realistically dismiss that such a long-range strike capability, once obtained, will always remain conventionally-armed.
In my opinion, these strike missiles will be made to be nuclear-capable platforms, conventionally armed now and in the foreseeable future, but able to be mated with the nuclear warheads as and when required.
The question now is, why the Japanese side considered it important to make this part of the agenda in the high-level meeting with Indian counterparts, and why India felt it important to pledge support for the same...considering the missile project (modified Type-12) is not a joint program, and in any event, the 1,000-km range of the system is not long enough to reach India, so no reason to think that the purpose of the mention was to allay any fears the Indian side may have regarding Japan's re-armament.
Could the two countries be attempting to send a signal to China that nuclear weapons-related cooperation between India & Japan is not off the table? That India would/could be willing to allow cold-testing of nukes meant for/designed by Japan to be carried out on its soil? Using its established infrastructure (which is NOT regulated/checked by anyone as India is not an NPT member)?
We are in for some interesting times ahead.
Cheers
Thanks BUREAUCRATUS LEX SEPTEMBER 13 2022
Adding to your interesting comment I draw your and other readers attention to
Submarine Matters June 1, 2015 article
"Li-S or Lithium Sulfer Batteries (LSBs) for Submarine On the Way"
at https://gentleseas.blogspot.com/2015/06/li-s-or-lithium-sulfer-batteries-lsbs.html
Regards Pete
Hi again BUREAUCRATUS LEX SEPTEMBER 13 2022
Also see "Australian researchers announce lithium-sulfur battery breakthrough" of March 7, 2022 at https://www.pv-magazine.com/2022/03/07/australian-researchers-announce-lithium-sulfur-battery-breakthrough/
++++++++++++++++
And the inevitable Wikipedia entry with a Lithium-sulfur batteries not yet ready for high production message:
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium%E2%80%93sulfur_battery#Commercialization
"As of 2021 few companies had been able to commercialize the technology on an industrial scale. Companies such as Sion Power have partnered with Airbus Defence and Space to test their lithium sulfur battery technology. Airbus Defense and Space successfully launched their prototype High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) aircraft powered by solar energy during the day and by lithium sulfur batteries at night in real life conditions during an 11-day flight. The batteries used in the test flight utilized Sion Power's Li–S cells that provide 350 W⋅h/kg.[68] Sion originally claimed to be in the process of volume manufacturing with availability by end of 2017; however more recently it can be seen that they have dropped work on their lithium sulfur battery in favor of a lithium-metal battery.[69][70]
British firm OXIS Energy developed prototype lithium sulfur batteries.[71][72] Together with Imperial College London and Cranfield University, they published equivalent-circuit-network models for its cells.[73] With Lithium Balance of Denmark they built a prototype scooter battery system primarily for the Chinese market, which had a capacity of 1.2 kWh using 10 Ah Long Life cells, and weighed 60% less than lead acid batteries with a significant increase in range.[74] They also built a 3U, 3,000 W⋅h Rack-Mounted Battery that weighed only 25 kg and was said to be fully scalable.[75] They claimed their Lithium-Sulfur batteries would cost about $200/kWh in mass production.[76] However, the firm entered bankruptcy (insolvency) status in May 2021.[77]
Sony, which also commercialized the first lithium-ion battery, planned to introduce lithium–sulfur batteries to the market in 2020, but has provided no updates since the initial announcement in 2015.[78]
Monash University's Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in Melbourne, Australia developed an ultra-high capacity Li-S battery that has been manufactured by partners at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology in Germany. It is claimed the battery can provide power to a smartphone for five days.[79]
In 2022, the German company Theion claimed to introduce lithium–sulfur batteries for mobile devices in 2023 and for vehicles by 2024.[80]"
Regards Pete
Hi Gessler @Sep 13, 2022, 2:38:00 AM
Very interesting. I'll turn your comments into an article tomorrow.
Meantime I would say Japan clearly wouldn't rely on a relatively easily shot down subsonic cruise missle counter-strike against China, Russia or North Korea unless they were hypersonic cruise missiles. Sheer flight speed makes counter-strike or even pre-emptive strike more credible.
Japanese conventional warheads are insufficient to impress nuclear armed opponents. Japanese conventional warheads wouldn't make much impression on central-western China's ICBM silos. Also Japan would need to preach MAD given China's SSBN first or second strike capability.
Given India's history (within the British Army) of fighting Japan in WWII - its one way to see India's concern that Japanese missiles would be long range enough to hit India. Japan's solid fuel "ICBM in waiting" Epsilon rocket https://gentleseas.blogspot.com/2021/08/japans-nuclear-weapon-breakout.html and the explosive and device precursors would give Japan a "breakout" capacity of 12 months or less.
In the mix a broader northeast Asia nuclear weapons proliferatiom. Exhibit A being the illogicality of South Korea going to the expense of building KSS-III SSBs unless these missile submarines could be nuclear armed.
Another way of seeing things may be - secret "Corridor discussions" in the India-Japan bilateral relationship - which might include the possibility of India passing on Agni (including thermonuclear warhead data) particularly to face the main common enemy, China.
It could be mutually beneficial in that Japan's Epsilon experience and especially Japan's (literally) tonnes of stockpiled Plutonium could be bartered to India.
So there are many aspects that are unprovable without benefit of large intelligence organisation confirmation, but possible.
Cheers Pete
Hi Pete,
It seems that Swedish subs will get LIB batteries.
Saab Receives Orders from FMV Regarding Submarine Upgrades
"Saab has received new orders from FMV regarding submarine upgrades. The orders include a life-time extension of HMS Södermanland, as well as new batteries and battery development. The total order value is SEK 470 million.
The life-time extension means that the submarine HMS Södermanland will receive around 50 modifications, prolonging and enhancing her operability for a further six years. The orders also include an exchange of batteries for the Swedish Navy’s current submarine fleet, as well as a project focusing on battery development, to ensure capabilities both at present and long-term."
/Kjell
Thanks /Kjell
It would be interesting to know what LIB formula Sweden is considering for Södermanland and presumably for the A26 Blekinge-class.
Regards Pete
I am not aware of the intro of LiB in the Soedermanland classes;
The substitution of LaB by LiB in an existing sub is absolutely not trivial if one wants to reap the benefits
-complete modification of the electrical systems affecting also the drive and the AIP("Load /Impedance matching" for the engineers)
-complete upgrade of the diesel /snorkel system to allow quick recharge
-rebalance the buoyancy..order of magnitude is expessed in 100Tons probably..tricky(remember Navantia..).Lab are very dense and it helps..
These changes have to be rigorously qualified steps by steps ("change control") as in any high safety environment aerospace , Nuclear..
In a 35 years old hull?
conversely it could be used as a test bed for the A26 subsystems
Hi Anon @Sep 17, 2022, 6:31:00 PM
Maybe there are Swedish language or word of mouth sources we aren't aware of talking Soedermanland LIBs.
You may be right that "conversely [a Soedermanland] could be used as a test bed for the A26 subsystems.
I think Japan used only a partial bank of LIBs (say 100 tonnes) working to discrete systems in a pre-Soryu submarine that had (say 300 tonnes of pre-existing LABs) to develop the 2 LIBs Soryus and all LIBs Taigeis.
For Sweden's major need for long term fully submerged SSKs against a more threatening Russia LIBs and Stirling AIP make sense.
Regards Pete
Hi Pete and anonymous @Sep 17, 2022, 6:31:00 PM,
It is two different orders, which I thought was obvious with the bold marking.
But from FMV "FMV has, on behalf of the Swedish Armed Forces, signed an agreement with Saab Kockums for the implementation of a life extension on the submarine HMS Södermanland within the framework of continued operation.
On behalf of the Swedish Armed Forces, FMV has also signed an agreement regarding battery procurement and battery development, within the framework of sustainment. Total value SEK 470 million."
/Kjell
Hi /Kjell
Can you quote from your "two different orders" mention of "Lithium-ion Batteries" or at least "LIBs"?
Or is this all a Saab marketing mystery?
Cheers Pete
Hi Pete and Kjell
When you read carefully there is indeed 2 projects for about 40 millions USD (not a very large sum in fact)
-extending by 6 years the life of the Södermanland (more patching critical issues) because the A26 is delayed (as frequently in very large, complex engineering projects not only in subs, in the Navies or in Sweden..!)
-investing in procurement and development of new batteries which I understand more at qualifying (incl quality wise on significant lots?)and doing application/deployement engineering , may be with mock-up/pilot.It could implies LiB ,but why SAAB is not mentionning it ?
Thanks Anon @Sep 20, 2022, 4:29:00 PM.
For your question to /Kjell:
"It could implies LiB ,but why SAAB is not mentionning it ?"
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