SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), under the aegis of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is making significant strides in the realm of underwater technology by focusing on the development of a Fuel Cell-based Capsule Power Plant for the High Endurance Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (HEAUV). This project aims to bolster India’s maritime capabilities with a focus on stealth and endurance.
NMRL endeavours to craft a power plant that not only extends the operational life of underwater vehicles but does so silently, making them less detectable and more effective for strategic naval operations.
The primary goal is to engineer a silent power system using fuel cells, with provisions for both fuel and oxygen, ensuring the vehicle can operate autonomously for extended periods. The system is designed to provide power for 14 to 21 days, significantly enhancing the vehicle’s operational range and time at sea.
Utilization of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) developed in-house at NMRL, focusing on efficiency and environmental sustainability. Incorporation of high-pressure Type 3/Type 4 hydrogen and oxygen cylinders, which are engineered for compatibility with high sea states, ensuring reliability in various marine conditions.
The HEAUV will be capable of totally autonomous operation, requiring no support from a mothership, which is crucial for covert operations or missions in contested waters. The system includes advanced failure detection mechanisms and a failsafe mode with the capability for auto-recovery, ensuring mission continuity even in the face of system anomalies.
This project is being developed directly with an industry partner through the Defence Capabilities Partnership Programme (DCPP) model. This collaboration not only accelerates development but also ensures that the technology is industry-ready and can be scaled for production.
The extended endurance and silent operation of the HEAUV will allow for prolonged underwater surveillance, mine countermeasures, or other strategic tasks without detection, providing the Indian Navy with a significant tactical advantage.
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