Utilization of Li-Ion Battery Assisted Fuel Cell System in Warships

Abstract

In this study, design principles required for fuel cells to be used in systems that need inrush current are disclosed. The most important difference that separates this study from others is the consideration of utilizing Li-ion batteries to provide power where inrush current is needed in order to spread. In previous studies, lead acid batteries were used instead of Li-ion batteries. Noiselessness and effective electric production ability make fuel cells a good alternative for military applications. The Li-ion battery is the state of the art technology and while advantages include their light weight and the facts that they occupy less space, charge quickly, and have high power intensity, one can experience problems charging because of their charge characteristics. The desired voltage and current can be obtained through serial and parallel implementation of Li-ion batteries. Li-ion batteries and fuel cells are the technology of our day and it is desirable to obtain a more effective system by bringing the advantages of both to the same system. A high efficiency and silent energy is obtained through the use of fuel cells, and Li-ion batteries will enable their use in systems requiring inrush current. Noiseless maneuvering capability in the operational area for a battle ship is a very important factor to preserve. In this study, a way in which these two technologies can be used in cooperation and in an efficient way is described. Fuel cells that have output power 1000 W, output voltage 115 V, and output frequency 60 Hz were tested in the radio room of a corvette of the Turkish Navy.