Model of thermal underwater gliders with PEMFC

Abstract

In all kinds of underwater gliders, the thermal underwater glider which is propelled by a thermal engine has better performance. But the properties of thermal material and ocean conditions limit the thermal glider's behaviour. A cogeneration power system is used to improve the performance of the thermal engine. This glider uses the heat from a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) stack for the Phase Change Material (PCM) to drive the thermal engine for navigation while the PEMFC stack provides electricity for the sensors, control system and control actuators of the glider. The multi-functionality assures the underwater glider to navigate in all seas. Thus, this work presents a mathematical model and a thermodynamic model of the PEMFC-thermal glider on the basis of several assumptions. A Newtonian approach has been used to model the glider under the influence of water current.