----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2005 1:19
PM
Subject: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Another nutcase
here.
Hello all,
Like all of us here, I have this
wierd fettish with subs. U-Boats are my "thing". (Peter Madsen
is cool in my book) I have dreamt of building one for years but
always thought it beyond my scope. That was until I stumbled upon
PSUBS.org. By tuning into discussions and reading everything I can get
my hands on, I am coming to the realization that "normal / average" (perhaps
that isn't the right term) people build these things and not some
excentric millionaires or something. (you know, the same guys that take solo
hot air balloons around the world). Over the period of several months,
my confidence has grown to the point now where I tell myself, "I could build
one of those." The group here at PSUBS is
indeed "special". I admire each and every one of them for following
their passion, whether they bring it to fruition or not. The guys that
actually get something in the water have really accomplished something
unique.
Does anybody have any thoughts on direct drive
diesel / electric propulsion ? I am still contemplating whether that is
the way to go, or whether a guy should use the diesel / electric as a
generator to power the thrust motor ? I like the direct drive method for
it's added efficiency, price (Only have to buy one motor/generator instead of
two, one generator and one thruster) and generally more "U-Boat" like,
but I am wondering if the engineering required to get the shaft connected in
line with the clutches and bearings through the pressure hull while
maintaining pressure hull integrity is worth it. (what does it take
to seal that shaft ?). I also have concerns with the mechanical
dependability of the two clutches that would be required. (Could be
a real bugger to get in there for maintenance and replace). The other way
would simply mean connecting an external electric thruster to the battery
source that is being charged by the diesel which I believe would be easier to
do. (Am I right here ?).
I'm more interested in building a
1ATM U-Boat resembling sub that has decent surface performance rather
than something that will dive deep. I'm aiming for an operation depth of
35M.
Thoughts / opinions on propulsion ?
Myles Hall
Saskatchewan Canada.