A recent study led by Mahmut Turhan from the Turkish Naval Force’s Research Center in Ankara has unveiled an innovative charging system designed specifically for lead-acid submarine batteries. Published in “Engineering Science and Technology, an International Journal,” the research highlights the use of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) technology, which has demonstrated significant advantages over traditional charging methods.
The newly developed charger-discharger employs a bidirectional DC-DC converter that connects the battery to an ultra-capacitor system. This setup allows for precise control over the Depth of Charge and State of Charge, which is critical in preventing sulfation—a common issue that can reduce battery lifespan. Turhan’s team conducted over 12 months of field tests and found that the IGBT chargers achieved an impressive 93% charge efficiency. In contrast, traditional rectifier systems, which rely on linear charging, only managed 85% efficiency. This difference translates into substantial energy savings and cost benefits for submarine operations.
Moreover, the IGBT system exhibited excellent thermal stability, maintaining a standard deviation fluctuation of just 2.3 °C. This thermal performance is essential for the reliability of submarine operations, where environmental conditions can vary significantly. The study also revealed that even a 1% improvement in charging efficiency could extend battery life by approximately 0.53 months, underscoring the long-term benefits of adopting this technology.
Turhan’s research further employed advanced statistical methods, including ANOVA and a Random Forest model, which predicted battery failure with 92% accuracy. This predictive capability can enhance maintenance schedules and reduce unexpected downtimes, leading to more efficient submarine operations.
The findings suggest that IGBT technology is more suitable for submarine applications compared to Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs or Gallium Nitride (GaN) transistors. “It conserves power and gas generation for improved operational efficiency and higher battery life, and improves overall sustainability,” Turhan noted, emphasizing the dual benefits of operational cost savings and environmental responsibility.
The commercial implications of this research extend beyond military applications. With the growing demand for efficient energy storage systems across various sectors, including marine, automotive, and renewable energy, the adoption of IGBT-based charging systems could present significant opportunities for manufacturers and developers in the energy sector. As industries increasingly prioritize sustainability and efficiency, innovations like the one developed by Turhan and his team may play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy management.