Energy Source for Operating Underwater Vessels

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This invention describes a novel energy system for submarines and underwater vessels that utilizes liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) for safe and efficient hydrogen storage and release. The system allows hydrogen to be stored in a chemically bound, non-explosive, and easily handled liquid form, which can be recharged (hydrided) when the vessel is on the surface using onboard or external power and water. The hydrogen can then be released (dehydrided) on demand underwater to generate electricity via a fuel cell, enabling quiet, long-range, submerged operation without the need for high-pressure hydrogen tanks or metal hydrides.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Energy supply for military or civilian submarines, allowing extended underwater missions without surfacing for refueling.
• Deployment in unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) or autonomous marine robots to provide long-duration power supply.
• Retrofit or design of underwater research vessels for scientific missions requiring silent and reliable energy sources.
• Adaptation in other marine vessels or mobile offshore platforms that would benefit from safe, high-density energy storage.
• Fueling infrastructure and supply chains for ports servicing LOHC-powered vessels.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly safer than conventional compressed hydrogen or metal hydride storage, due to the liquid, non-explosive nature of LOHCs.
• High volumetric and gravimetric energy density, enabling longer underwater operation with reduced weight and storage requirements.
• Flexible and rapid refueling possible in port by exchanging depleted LOHC with charged LOHC, similar to diesel refueling processes.
• Minimal risk of explosion or rapid surfacing in the event of hull breach or attack, enhancing safety and stealth for military applications.
• Reduced infrastructure requirements, since LOHCs can be handled using conventional liquid fuel storage systems.
• Supports efficient integration with fuel cells for quiet, emission-free propulsion underwater.
• Enables recycling and repeated usage of LOHC, reducing operational costs and environmental impact compared to consumable fuels.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement for loading a storage of substrate for ships or submarines while traveling above water, comprising an energy source (e), which is either a drive that is driven with fossil fuels or a nuclear power drive; a direct current generator which is operated using said energy source; a storage tank (j) for distilled or deionized water; an electrolyzer for converting the water from the storage tank (j) into hydrogen and oxygen using the direct current from the energy source (e); a chemical reactor (h) for generating an energy-rich form of the substrate with an extended pi-conjugated system by means of a chemical reaction using hydrogen; and a store (a1) for the energy-rich substrate form generated in the reactor (h).