|
Air-independent propulsion (AIP) is any marine propulsion technology that allows a non-nuclear submarine to operate without access to atmospheric oxygen (by surfacing or using a snorkel). AIP can augment or replace the diesel-electric propulsion system of non-nuclear vessels. The United States Navy uses the hull classification symbol "SSP" to designate boats powered by AIP, while retaining "SS" for classic diesel-electric attack submarines. Modern non-nuclear submarines are potentially stealthier than nuclear submarines; a nuclear ship's reactor must constantly pump coolant, generating some amount of detectable noise (see acoustic signature). Non-nuclear submarines running on battery power or AIP, on the other hand, can be virtually silent. While nuclear-powered designs still dominate in submergence times and deep-ocean performance, small, high-tech non-nuclear attack subs are highly effective in coastal operations and pose a significant threat to less-stealthy and less-maneuverable nuclear subs.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://argee.net/DefenseWatch/Tomorrows%20Submarine%20Fleet--The%20Non-nuclear%20Option.htm )〕 AIP is usually implemented as an auxiliary source, with the traditional diesel engine handling surface propulsion. Most such systems generate electricity which in turn drives an electric motor for propulsion or recharges the boat's batteries. The submarine's electrical system is also used for providing "hotel services"—ventilation, lighting, heating etc.—although this consumes a small amount of power compared to that required for propulsion. AIP can be retrofitted into existing submarine hulls by inserting an additional hull section. AIP does not normally provide the endurance or power to replace atmospheric dependent propulsion, but allows longer submergence than a conventionally propelled submarine. A typical conventional power plant provides 3 megawatts maximum, and an AIP source around 10% of that. A nuclear submarine's propulsion plant is usually much greater than 20 megawatts. ==History== In 1867 Narcís Monturiol i Estarriol successfully developed a peroxide powered anaerobic or air independent steam engine.〔Cargill Hall, R. (1986). ''History of rocketry and astronautics: proceedings of the third through the sixth History Symposia of the International Academy of Astronautics, Volumen 1''. NASA conference publication. American Astronautical Society by Univelt, p. 85. ISBN 0-87703-260-2〕〔(A steam powered submarine: the Ictíneo ) Low-tech Magazine, 24 August 2008〕 In 1908 the Imperial Russian Navy launched the submarine ''Pochtovy'' which used a gasoline engine fed with compressed air and exhausted under water. During World War II the German firm Walter experimented with submarines that used concentrated hydrogen peroxide as their source of oxygen under water. These used steam turbines, employing steam heated by burning diesel fuel in the steam/oxygen atmosphere created by the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by a potassium permanganate catalyst. Several experimental boats were produced, and one, U-1407, which had been scuttled at the end of World War II, was salvaged and recommissioned into the Royal Navy as HMS ''Meteorite''. The British built two improved models in the late 1950s, , and HMS ''Excalibur''. ''Meteorite'' was not popular with its crews, who regarded it as dangerous and volatile; she was officially described as "75% safe". The reputations of ''Excalibur'' and ''Explorer'' were little better, the boats were nicknamed 'Excruciater' and 'Exploder'. The Soviet Union also experimented with the technology and one experimental boat was built which utilized hydrogen peroxide in a Walter engine. The United States also used hydrogen peroxide in an experimental midget submarine, X-1. It was originally powered by a hydrogen peroxide/diesel engine and battery system until an explosion of her hydrogen peroxide supply on 20 May 1957. X-1 was later converted to a diesel-electric.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://www.hnsa.org/ships/x1.htm )〕 The USSR, UK, and US, the only countries known to be experimenting with the technology at that time, abandoned it when the latter developed a nuclear reactor small enough for submarine propulsion. Other nations, including Germany and Sweden, would later recommence AIP development. It was retained for propelling torpedoes by the British and the Soviet Union, although hastily abandoned by the former following the HMS ''Sidon'' tragedy. Both this and the loss of the Russian Submarine ''Kursk'' were due to accidents involving hydrogen peroxide propelled torpedoes. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Air-independent propulsion」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|