A knowledge based aid for the selection of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) energy systems

The authors detail the results of a study to develop and evaluate a knowledge-based aid for the selection of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) energy systems. The Royal Naval Engineering College and the University of Calgary have developed a model that allows detailed comparisons of candidate energy systems to be made once a mission profile has been specified. This model, termed ENCALC, is intended to act as an aid in identifying systems worthy of further detailed analysis. The initial phase of the project was intended to validate the operation of the ENCALC model against known data. Subsequently, a Stirling/liquid metal heat source combination was chosen. The initial results, from ENCALC, based on conservative energy, power and heat transfer efficiencies indicated that an 8-m-long AUV with a usable power plant section of 4-m would result in approximately 900 kWh of available stored energy. Considering the propulsive energy requirements of the given mission profile, this resulted in an attainable engine efficiency of 23.5%.<
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