The new submarine class 212 developed by HDW is characterized by an air-independent propulsion system using the hydrogen fuel cell. HDW is thus the first shipyard in the world to offer a fuel cell propulsion system ready for series production. The Siemens proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell plant, which produces electrical energy from oxygen and hydrogen, permits the new class of submarines to cruise under water for weeks without surfacing.
Conventional diesel-electric submarines have used up their battery power after about two days cruising under water. In addition, the fuel cell makes no noise and produces no give-away exhaust heat. The factors help to make the submarine virtually undetectable.
At HDW's shipyard in Kiel, Ms. Bärbel Kaempf christened the most modern non-nuclear submarine in the world "U31" on 22 March 2002. The class 212A submarine is destined for the German Navy and is the first of four submarines of this class currently under construction at the yards of HDW in Kiel and Thyssen Nordseewerke (TNSW) in Emden. After comprehensive tests and trials, "U31" is scheduled for commissioning on 30 March 2004.
In part the development of the new submarine class 212A was prompted by advances in detection capabilities and the increasing ability of anti-submarine warfare. The extremely favorable signatures, the fuel cell propulsion plant and the boat's detection and weapon systems ensure that these new submarines will be suited for successful employment in every conceivable area of operations. At the same time, the design allows for high availability and low maintenance cost.
In his speech at the name-giving ceremony Mr. Hanfried Haun, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of HDW, remarked that the decision in favor of incorporating the fuel cell in the submarine building program had laid the foundations for continued long-term employment for the HDW shipyard. He said that a large number of sub-contractors and suppliers in the whole of Germany also profited from submarine construction by HDW.
The U212 submarine is capable of long distance submerged passage to the area of operation. The German Navy have ordered four of the submarines. Two U212 submarines are also being built by Fincantieri for the Italian Navy. The first is expected to launch in 2002 and commissioned in 2005. Israel has also ordered one of the submarines, although it will not incorporate a fuel cell system.
The submarines of the class 212 have been jointly developed since 1987 by a consortium consisting of TNSW and HDW. Submarines of this class are the first in the world to be equipped with a fuel cell plant as part of their general specification.
The propulsion system combines a conventional system consisting of a diesel generator with a lead acid battery, and an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, used for silent slow cruising, with a fuel cell equipped with oxygen and hydrogen storage. The system consists of nine PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cells, providing between 30 and 50kW each.
For higher speeds, connection is made to the high-performance lead acid battery. An MTU 16 V- 396 diesel engine powers the generator for charging the battery installed on the lower of the two decks at the forward section of the submarine. The diesel generator plant is mounted on a swinging deck platform with double elastic mounts for noise and vibration isolation. The propeller motor is directly coupled to the seven-bladed screwback propeller.
HDW is also developing the Type 214 submarine, which is a further improvement on the Type 212. The Greek Navy has ordered three of these. The Siemens Industrial Solutions and Services Group (I&S) has been contracted to supply propulsion systems, worth around US$65.6 million, and construction of the first vessel has already begun at the HDW Kiel shipyard, for delivery in 2005. Hellenic Shipyards will build the second and third vessels at Skaramanga. South Korea has also ordered three Type 214, to enter service in 2007, 2008 and 2009. These will be built by Hyundai Heavy Industries.
The Type 214 will have an increased diving depth of over 400m, due to improvements in hull materials. Hull length is 65m and displacement 1700t. Four of the eight torpedo tubes will be capable of firing missiles.
Performance of the AIP system has been increased with two Siemens PEM fuel cells which produce 120kW per module and will give the submarine an underwater endurance of two weeks. The hull shape, which has been further optimized for hydrodynamic and stealth characteristics, and a low noise propeller combine to decrease the submarine's acoustic signature.
The new fuel cell is a further development of the 30 to 50 kW modules developed and under production for the German 212 class submariens. From the commercial point of view, PEM fuel cells are primarily of interest as a basis for innovative submarine propulsion. Besides high efficiency and low operating temperature, silent conversion of energy is the decisive factor here.
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Alton Parrish is Editor of Fuel Cell Technology News, the leading industry newsletter produced by Business Communications Inc. To find out more information about or subscribe to Fuel Cell Technology News, please visit www.buscom.com