Recently, Japan’s latest Canglong-class 'Golden Dragon' conventional power submarine was launched. This is Japan’s 11th Canglong-class submarine. Of particular concern is that the submarine is the world’s first lithium-powered battery. Submarine. Japan’s Sankei Shimbun said, 'The boat is the world’s first combat submarine that uses the same 'lithium ion polymer' battery as the electric car.'
The Science and Technology Daily reporter learned that the Canglong class submarine was greatly promoted at the beginning of its design with its 'lithium ion battery propulsion', but the top 10 Canglong class is still similar to many AIP conventional submarines, using Sweden's Trin' AIP System.
Chen Guangwen, a military science writer, said that 'Japan's 'lithium battery + diesel engine' power combination on the 'Golden Dragon' and subsequent Canglong class submarines, in addition to improving the tactical performance of the type of boat, also bears the '3000 tons type The Submarine's (Type 29SS) performs the task of testing with lithium-ion batteries, and the latter is sure to use this advanced propulsion technology.'
Lithium-ion batteries will make up for the lack of Canglong
The Canglong class submarine is probably the most famous AIP submarine in the world. The Canglong class submarine is also known as the 'Heisei 16 Submarine Plan' (referred to as the 16SS type). It is the latest submarine type of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.
'This type of submarine is said to have several world firsts. The displacement of up to 4,200 tons is the world's largest combat-type conventional submarine; the depth of the submarine is up to 500 meters, which is the largest submarine in the depth of the submarine; it is also known as the world's strongest combat capability. The conventional submarine. Therefore, the Canglong class submarine is hailed as Japan's pride. It is Japan's so-called 'quasi-nuclear submarine'. 'Chen Guangwen introduced that the Canglong class is a greatly improved version of the pro-tidal class 'Chai-electric submarine', which introduced the Swedish' The Sterling' engine is the first submarine in Asia to use the AIP system. The class uses an advanced blade-type boat, a new silencer that reduces enemy active sonar detection distance by 50%, and an X-tail. The rudder design, which makes the underwater noise level reach 105 decibels, is superior to the famous 'Ocean Black Hole' - the Russian Kilo-class conventional submarine. Due to the highly automated control technology, the class has the number of crews controlled. 65 people, thus providing a relatively comfortable and spacious interior space.
Chen Guangwen pointed out that the 'Canglong AIP submarine's previous 10 ships used four 'Stirling' engines, which can make their underwater submarine time reach two weeks, which is about 5 times higher than conventional submarines not equipped with AIP system. It has a strong concealment. However, it has been verified that the early Canglong-class submarine's reserve buoyancy is insufficient - only about 600 tons. According to the general principle, a submarine with a displacement of 4,000 tons should be more than 1000 tons. In addition, the four 'Stirling' engines have a total of 400 kW of propulsion power, which is still insufficient compared to a submarine with such a huge displacement.
'Of course, more importantly, Japan has made rapid progress in the automotive 'lithium ion polymer' battery technology in recent years. Therefore, Japan urgently needs to apply its latest technology to improve the performance of the new AIP submarine.' He said.
'Phoenix' became the new 'Chai-Electric' submarine
Conventional power submarine The diesel electric power system usually consists of a diesel engine, a generator, a battery and an electric motor. The submarine uses a diesel engine with a motor as a power source. The diesel engine is responsible for the submarine's source of power on the surface of the water and charging the battery. Under the surface, the submarine Use the electricity in the battery to propel the sail. This is the 'Chai-Electric' submarine.
However, the power in the battery can only be maintained for a short period of time, and it must be floated on the surface, or a snorkel can be used to run the diesel engine to charge the battery. Therefore, the concealing performance of the 'Chai-Electric' submarine is greatly reduced. The submarine's underwater endurance is very limited, only 10-100 hours.
In view of this, scientists have developed an air-independent power propulsion system to enhance the underwater self-sustaining power of conventional power submarines. This is the AIP system.
The reporter learned that the Canglong class uses two diesel engines, four 'Stirling' engines, lead-acid batteries and one main propulsion motor as propulsion systems, and the submarine performance has been greatly improved. And its 11th 'Golden Dragon' is in the Maintain the specifications and speed of the same, replace the entire 'Stirling' engine's AIP power system and lead-acid battery with a lithium-ion battery.
'Therefore, the 'Golden Dragon' that replaced the lead-acid battery and the AIP system with lithium battery has become the 'Chai-Electric' submarine. Of course, this 'Chai-Electricity' and the traditional 'Chai-Electricity' in the traditional sense are not Same day. ' Chen Guangwen pointed out.
The data show that lithium-ion batteries have higher energy density than lead-acid batteries, higher charging efficiency and longer life. It can be simply understood that the use of lithium-ion batteries not only greatly reduces the weight but also increases the power of the submarine.
Chen Guangwen further pointed out that the ''Huanglong' submarine uses a large-scale lithium-ion battery, which can save the weight of four 'Stirling' engines and some lead-acid batteries, and the weight saved can be greatly improved. The reserve buoyancy of the boat, of course, also leaves more space inside the boat. At the same time, it does not need to be frequently floated. The large reduction of the transmission machinery inside the boat gives the 'Golden Dragon' compared to the top 10 Canglong class submarines. More superior quiet performance, and faster charging. Moreover, the burst energy output of large-scale lithium-ion batteries is stronger than the four slow-moving 'Stirling' engines, giving the 'Golden Dragon' Good instantaneous maneuverability, which is especially important for attack submarines.'
Lithium submarine or replace traditional AIP submarine
It is said that the 'Golden Dragon' is responsible for the exploration of the next generation submarine lithium-ion battery test in Japan, namely the '3000-ton submarine ship' (referred to as the 29SS type).
Chen Guangwen pointed out that 'Lithium-ion batteries still have some potential problems. For example, lithium-ion batteries will generate more heat than lead-acid batteries during discharge, and even explosions. If you want to make mature 29-type submarines use mature lithium batteries, These problems must be completely solved during the trial of the 'Huanglong'.'
So, will lithium-ion submarines replace traditional AIP submarines like electric cars instead of fuel cars?
In this regard, Chen Guangwen said, 'The problem of using a lithium-ion battery instead of a fuel engine in a car is much less. Because the car can dissipate heat better and set more safety measures, it is closed under water. This is a big problem in the submarine. However, with the advancement of lithium-ion battery technology and Japan's leading position in the world of this application, it is likely that Japan has almost solved this problem. After all, this is better than submarine. It is much harder to install a nuclear reactor. '
'So, the innovative 'Chai-Electric' lithium-ion battery propulsion submarine is likely to become the main power mode for new conventional power submarines in the future, allowing more countries to enter the ranks of the navy with 'quasi-nuclear submarines'. This will allow Japan, which cannot afford a nuclear submarine due to the 'Peace Constitution', to have the latest means of competing with countries with nuclear submarines, and to allow Japan to win more orders in the world arms market!' Chen Guangwen pointed out.
