In small power sources we have a very low level of effort. 

 We are evaluating existing radioisotope thermoelectric generators 

 in coordination with the AEC. Attempts to increase the cyclic 

 efficiency of silver zinc batteries are also being investigated. 



In the medium power source range, the fuel cell appears es- 

 sential to efficient undersea operations. The major effort just 

 recently initiated is development of a fuel cell for the 20, 000 foot 

 Deep Submergence Search Vehicle. It is planned that this fuel cell 

 will be modular and have the potential for wider application. A 

 conservative estimate for the DSSV fuel cell development is about 

 $10 million. Although this is not a small figure, it should be 

 recognized that it would be much greater had it not been for the 

 aerospace power needs. The impetus of the space race and the 

 expenditure of over $100M has provided the Navy with a technology 

 base from which fuel cell development for undersea power systems 

 can proceed at lower costs and in a shorter time period than would 

 otherwise be possible. 



The potential of the thermal dynamic and chemical dynamic 

 systems were recognized in the early 1950's. However, develop- 

 ment efforts stopped about 1955 when the nuclear reactor develop- 

 ment replaced this power concept. The thermal dynamic and 

 chemical dynamic systems appear to have sufficient advantages 

 and warrant renewed consideration as pi'imary energy sources 

 for medium range endurance (up to 30 days). At present, there 

 is essentially no Navy development effort underway for such a 

 system. It is considered that a development effort for this system 

 should parallel that of the fuel cell. After about 2 years sufficient 

 information should be available to compare it with the fuel cell and 

 to justify further development and qualification as a primary energy 

 source. 



Recent studies conducted by the NAS concluded that undersea 

 power cable technology is relatively well developed and available 

 to the Navy. Therefore, to achieve a land link capability, no addi- 

 tional development effort appears warranted in this area except 

 for efforts leading to improved and reliable cable connectors. 



In nuclear power and radioisotope thermoelectric sources we 

 should continue to provide our requirements to the AEC and co- 

 ordinate development efforts in this area. The present program 

 is small, but should grow to become a major development in the 

 next few years. 



No single power source candidate is preferable over the en- 

 tire spectrum in which submersibles, habitats, and other systems 



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