(260f) Development of a PEMFC System Utilizing Metal Hydride and Hydrogen Peroxide for Unmanned Underwater Vehicle in Low-Oxygen Environments

In underwater applications such as Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), the power system stands as a critical determinant of submerged travel distance. Fuel cell systems, boasting higher volumetric energy density compared to batteries, have gained significant attention as a power source for UUVs. This research focuses on the development of a power system for UUVs operating in low-oxygen environments, leveraging Polymer Electrode Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs). The fuel cell system utilized metal hydride and hydrogen peroxide as hydrogen and oxygen sources, respectively. The metal hydride employed a AB2 type TiMn-based alloy as a hydrogen storage material. Hydrogen peroxide decomposed into water and oxygen through a catalytic reaction. The heat generated during the decomposition process was supplied to the hydrogen desoprtion in the metal hydride. The generated hydrogen and oxygen were supplied as fuel to the PEMFC and operate in dead-end mode to increase fuel utilization. This new concept fuel cell system, designed to operate in low-oxygen environments, demonstrated an average power output of 292.8 W for 92 hours.