1970 ANNUAL TECHNICAL SYMPOSIUM (7TH). A CLOSED BRAYTON CYCLE POWER PLANT FOR UNDERWATER APPLICATIONS AND COMPARISON WITH FUEL CELL

A 50 KW thermochemical power plant for underwater applications featuring a typical application to a deep operating submersible is examined and comparisons made with a fuel cell power source. Systems are studied for two depths (8,000 and 20,000 feet) and for three endurances ( 20, 40 and 120 hours ). The analysis of a closed Brayton (20, 40 and 120 hours). The analysis of a closed Brayton circulating gases in the loop such as Krypton, Argon, Xenon and Helium. To make this analysis a computer program was developed in which values of enthalpy were obtained by multiplying the specific heat at constant pressure by temperature rather than using gas tables. Calculations are shown for a single fuel cell including the reversible emf and the ideal comparative thermal efficiency. Estimates are also given for the overall comparative efficiency of an actual fuel cell system. Pressure vessels needed to encapsulate the power conversion module and the two reactants account for about one half of the total system weight at neutral buoyancy. Calculations are shown for finding the specific fuel and oxidant consumption. This is needed to size the pressure vessels as well as to add to the weight and volume inventory. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  Assoc of Senior Engrs of Naval Ship System Command

  Washington, DC  United States 
• Authors:
  • Balukjian, H
• Publication Date: 1970

Media Info

• Pagination: 93 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Electric power plants; Heat cycle; Thermal power plants; Thermochemistry; Underwater structures
• Old TRIS Terms: Brayton cycle power plant; Closed brayton cycle analysis; Submarine power plants; Thermochemical power plants
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00007553
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 30 1970 12:00AM