The AIP system on the Navantia is based on a bioethanol reformer that creates hydrogen to power a fuel cell, resulting in increased underwater range and greater stealth characteristics, lowering the submarine”s detectability. Furthermore, this technology allows the submarine to operate with a smaller crew while maintaining its capabilities.
In response to India’s Request for Proposal (RFP) for next-generation submarines, Navantia, a Spanish shipbuilding company, has stated its intention to deliver the S80 Plus submarines equipped with its unique Bio-Ethanol Stealth Technology (BEST) Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology. In terms of performance and stealth capabilities, Navantia’s AIP system outperforms the Fuel Cell-based AIP system developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The AIP system on the Navantia is based on a bioethanol reformer that creates hydrogen to power a fuel cell, resulting in increased underwater range and greater stealth characteristics, lowering the submarine’s detectability. Furthermore, this technology allows the submarine to operate with a smaller crew while maintaining its capabilities.
Navantia’s AIP system offers a significant improvement in submarine propulsion technology because it cangenerate hydrogen on demand, assuring a consistent supply while maintaining safety.
Second-generation AIPs feature fuel cells, which combine oxidants and fuel to generate power, as opposed to first-generation AIPs that rely on Stirling engines, which have improved but remain rather simple and inefficient. However, these systems suffer hydrogen storage issues, necessitating huge and heavy hydride cylinders to be installed outside the submarine. Additionally, providing a steady supply of ultra-pure hydrogen presents logistical challenges.
The BEST AIP system from Navantia overcomes these concerns by utilising their bioethanol reformer technology, which eliminates the requirement for external hydrogen storage and streamlines the supply chain. This advancement increases the submarine’s overall efficiency and effectiveness, boosting its fighting capabilities while maintaining a high level of stealth.
Navantia intends to give the Indian Navy with a cutting-edge solution that fits their submarine needs by outfitting the S80 Plus submarines with their superior AIP technology. As the Indian Navy aspires to modernise and expand its submarine fleet, the combination of the S80 Plus submarine platform and the BEST AIP system is an appealing option.
