A new form of AIP system?

bottomcrawler · 03-26-09, 02:55 PM

Non-nuclear submarines typically have a submerged endurance of up to a couple of weeks with the latest AIP systems.

For a sub at the larger end of the size range, something like a Kilo, what would the power requirement be for a submerged crawl speed of a 2-3 kts?

See, I had an idea...

A nuclear reactor is the ultimate in AIP, as we all know, since they can operate uninterrupted for years, so submerged endurance is effectively only limited by available supply storage and crew considerations.

There's quite a gap between the best non-nuclear AIP subs and the fully nuclear ones. I have an idea for how to make the gap a little smaller. I think.

RTG - Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator. A single device is a feeble power source, but like any power cell, it can be connected in series/parallel to reach pretty decent power levels.

They're compact, lightweight and require very little shielding. With the right choice of radioisotope, they produce power for many years.

And - they're not mechanical, so they're completely quiet!

I can imagine having a room full of RTGs, with a clever power management system that connects banks of cells as they are needed for propulsion, and having them do other chores (recharging batteries, produce fresh water, et c) when not required for propulsion. The heat would have to be dissipated somehow, but I imagine that you would get quite far with non-mechanical convection cooling using vertical water pipes.

This would not be the sole AIP system, but rather augment other systems like LOX/Diesel Stirling engines or advanced fuel cells. Those would be needed for higher power requirements.

But for just doodling along at a couple of knots trying to stay undetected, RTGs should work very well.

All right, whaddaya think?

03-26-09, 02:55 PM	#1
bottomcrawler Mate Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 53 Downloads: 15 Uploads: 0	A new form of AIP system? Non-nuclear submarines typically have a submerged endurance of up to a couple of weeks with the latest AIP systems. For a sub at the larger end of the size range, something like a Kilo, what would the power requirement be for a submerged crawl speed of a 2-3 kts? See, I had an idea... A nuclear reactor is the ultimate in AIP, as we all know, since they can operate uninterrupted for years, so submerged endurance is effectively only limited by available supply storage and crew considerations. There's quite a gap between the best non-nuclear AIP subs and the fully nuclear ones. I have an idea for how to make the gap a little smaller. I think. RTG - Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator. A single device is a feeble power source, but like any power cell, it can be connected in series/parallel to reach pretty decent power levels. They're compact, lightweight and require very little shielding. With the right choice of radioisotope, they produce power for many years. And - they're not mechanical, so they're completely quiet! I can imagine having a room full of RTGs, with a clever power management system that connects banks of cells as they are needed for propulsion, and having them do other chores (recharging batteries, produce fresh water, et c) when not required for propulsion. The heat would have to be dissipated somehow, but I imagine that you would get quite far with non-mechanical convection cooling using vertical water pipes. This would not be the sole AIP system, but rather augment other systems like LOX/Diesel Stirling engines or advanced fuel cells. Those would be needed for higher power requirements. But for just doodling along at a couple of knots trying to stay undetected, RTGs should work very well. All right, whaddaya think?