Problem Statement

Background
The US NAVY desires a destroyer prototype that can operate silently for an extended period of time. Currently the ship is propelled by a diesel generator and batteries.

• The major disadvantage associated with the diesel generator is noise vibrations transmitted to the water. These noise transients can easily be detected by enemy craft.
• The inherent disadvantage associated with batteries is the limited amount of electrical energy storage that depletes rapidly.

Fuel cells are an available option to provide a clean, reliable, and efficient alternative energy source.

• Fuel cells have a minimal amount of noise vibrations making them an excellent alternative to the diesel generator.
• The electrochemical reaction within the fuel cell provides a consistent and reliable voltage output that supports an ideal replacement of the batteries extending stealth mode run time.

The Naval Acoustic Research detachment in Bayview, ID has requested a feasibility study for implementing fuel cells onto the AESD prototype.

Problem

• Fuel cells require power conditioning to integrate with the existing power system
• Fuel cells need to easily implemented into existing power system
  

Design Scope

Design the power electronics to implement the Ballard HD-6 fuel cell into the current power system

Design Specs

1. Electrical
   • 714VDC, 900A, 650kW
2. Dimensions
   
   • Must fit into existing battery racks, < 570 cu . ft
3. Fuel Storage
   • Must meet NAVSEA and State of Idaho standards for fuel storage and waste streams
4. User Interface
   • Develop a hardware model of the converter to demonstrate correlation with computer simulation

Solution

1. Create specifications
2. Create computer simulated models using ATP, MATLAB and Pspice
3. Design DC-DC converter in model for simulation
4. Design and construct lab scale model of electronics
5. Implement design into AESD