[Courtesy of the Agency for Defense Development ]
SEOUL — South Korea’s defense technology development agency has developed the technology of methanol-reforming plant for hydrogen fuel cells that can enhance the operational performance of submarines. It directly produces high-purity hydrogen that can be produced in submarines by reforming methanol.Submarine fuel cells use high-purity hydrogen as fuel to increase the underwater time. An air-independent fuel cell propulsion system increases underwater endurance, diving depth and overall efficiency. Hydrogen supply generally uses metal hydride cylinders. Separate auxiliary facilities were required for hydrogen charging and charging time was long. Air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems can improve the underwater performance of diesel-electric submarines and reduce their vulnerability. Fuel…