Energy storage system with ultracapacitors for thermal underwater glider

Abstract

A power system with proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) was designed for thermal underwater glider. Heat generated by PEMFC is used as the propulsion power of the glider, and the electricity is used in the control and sensor system. An electric energy storage system (ESS) is required which possesses high power density with good cycle life. Ultracapacitors which exhibit high power density and cycle life are considered as energy storage devices. Simulations based on a specific voyage condition indicate that ESS with ultracapacitors has positive effects on reducing the output power demand of PEMFC and lightening the power system. Experimental results show that the state of charge (SOC) is related to the capacitance and resistance in ultracapacitor ESS.

Keywords

thermal underwater glider / proton exchange membrane fuel cell / ultracapacitor energy storage system / state of charge

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