Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) for air-independent propulsion
systems have been developed and tested under submarine conditions and
are thus ready for submarine application. A demand analysis and the pr
esentation of the requirements for naval surface ships and submarines
will be followed by the description of the realisation concepts for PE
FC propulsion plants. Based on the results of FC operation on board of
a submari2e and the system design for the new German submarine Class
212, synergy effects will be derived from that for surface ships. Fina
lly, future aspects will be pointed out including PEFC propulsion for
merchant ships. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.