BATTERY USAGE IN THE FUTURE FLEET

Abstract

This research effort examined the current advanced battery requirement (baseline) and projects anticipated battery requirements for the operating force in 2035 and 2045. The research is conducted using a mission engineering perspective to determine the battery requirements. The analysis includes battery chemistry, energy density, charge/discharge rate, safety concerns, and the like, of the battery. In this research the following questions are answered: What is the current advanced battery requirement (baseline)? What is the projection for batteries required by the operating force by 2035? What is the projection for batteries required by the operating force by 2045? Upon completion of the research, the team was able to definitively determine that there will be a role for Li-ion batteries within the fleet of Navy vessels. That role will, however, be limited to running specific subsystems or equipment and will not replace the ship generators. This will remain true until the energy density of battery technology even begins to approach that of petrochemicals, which we believe is many years away if possible.