Efficient Hydraulic-to-electric Energy Conversion for PCM-based Ocean Thermal Gradient Energy System to Power Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles

Conference · Tue Sep 12 04:00:00 EDT 2023

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/OCEANSLimerick52467.2023.10244366· OSTI ID:2305511

Deng, Zhiqun ^[1]; Jung, Hyunjun ^[1]; Ouro-Koura, Habilou ^[2]; Salalila, Aljon L. ^[1]; Friedman, Brianna ^[1]; Liu, Jian ^[1]; Copping, Andrea E. ^[1]

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1. BATTELLE (PACIFIC NW LAB)
2. RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE

Since the 2000, there have been numerous investigations into electrical energy storage types that use ocean thermal-to-electricity conversion techniques. Field tests have demonstrated that this technology is feasible for UUVs with long-term missions of over 3,000 km per deployment. Nonetheless, the energy generated by this method is not sufficient to meet the energy requirements of Unscrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). The objective of this study is to design a highly effective ocean thermal gradient energy system to support long-term missions of a UUV. To enhance the performance of the thermal gradient energy system, we have developed a hybrid type (buoyancy regulation and electrical storage). Phase Change Material (PCM)-based energy harvesting system to facilitate efficient UUV operations. A prototype of the hydraulic-to-electric conversion system was implemented, and experimental findings indicate that the hybrid system successfully delivers hydraulic energy for buoyancy change and improved efficiency of hydraulic-to-electric energy conversion, demonstrating its potential as a promising technology for supporting long-term UUV missions.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 2305511
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-183895
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English