| abstract |
The plant for a submarine, having dual modes of operation comprises a fuel cell which requires a supply of gaseous hydrogen and a supply of gaseous oxygen in order to generate an electrical output. First means (24) supplies a hydrogen-containing compound, preferably methanol, which is liquid at NTP, and second means (10, 19) is selectively operable to supply liquid hydrogen peroxide in a first mode of operation and air in a second mode. A reformer (21) connected to the first supply means causes the hydrogen-containing compound to undergo an endothermic reaction to liberate gaseous hydrogen. A decomposer (12), selectively connectible to the second supply means in the first mode of operation, is arranged to decompose the hydrogen peroxide exothermically to liberate gaseous oxygen. Heat is transmitted to the hydrogen-containing compound, to maintain the endothermic reaction in the reformer. In the second mode of operation, separate means is provided for supplying heat to maintain the endothermic reaction. Gaseous oxygen is supplied to the fuel cell from an air source in the second mode of operation. In a submarine, the plant can operate in the first mode underwater, and in the second mode during surface or snorting operations. <IMAGE> |