----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2000 4:21
PM
Subject: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Fuel Cells Yet
?
Does anyone know if there is a practical way to use Fuel
Cells yet on A PSUB. Just thought someone might be up with the play on the
latest developements. I'm still planning to build a sub but would like this
area soughted first as it could make a huge difference.
Regards,
Karl.
Hi Karl,
But seriously, folks:
Wasn't somebody here talking about a fuel cell under
development by the Toro company (yep, the ones that make lawnmowers and such)
for use in a golf cart that was supposed to be coming out this year and
might be applicable to a sub? Anybody remember what this
was?
And I don't remember if I posted any info about it, but
in the recent issue of Popular Science (the one with the article about
100 years of submarines) there was another blurb about a nifty new device with
possible psub applications. It was a combination multi-fuel
engine-generator and storage battery unit for forklifts; all enclosed in one
case about the size of a forklift battery; designed to burn propane outside
the factory to drive the motor and charge the battery; and switch over to
battery to drive the forklift inside the factory. It seemed to me it
could be adapted to a sub: using the engine to power the motor while breathing
ambient air on the surface (or for short terms aspirated
from gaseous or cryo tank storage), and then run on the battery while
submerged. Operating on the surface would recharge the battery for
dives. Looked like it had the potential for pretty good power and
endurance. I wouldn't mind fooling around with one of these
myself.
Hope this helps.
Pat