The Chinese Navy may finally be able to use lithium technology to replace lead-acid batteries that are now used in its fleet of conventional submarines, as reported by Interesting Engineering. The advancements in the electric car industry in the country may soon lead to lithium-ion batteries being used to the massive Chinese fleet of conventional submarines.
(Photo : MARK SCHIEFELBEIN/AFP via Getty Images)
A Chinese sailor stands guard on the deck of the naval training ship Qi Jiguang during a naval parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of China's PLA Navy in the sea near Qingdao in the eastern China's Shandong province on April 23, 2019.
A New Study
According to the South China Morning Post, the problems regarding the risks of lithium batteries catching fire or exploding have been solved, which is why lead-acid batteries may soon be possible to replaced in conventional submarines. The study claims that technical answers have been discovered via significant testing and development in the electric car sector in the nation.
In addition, lithium batteries have shown to operate safely under difficult circumstances. With this modification, this could improve a submarine's capacity for survival and battle.
China is said to have the biggest conventional submarines in the world with around 60 to 70 vessels.
Also Read: China Develops a Flying Submarine Drone that is Capable of Crippling Defense Aircraft Carrier Fleet
The Move to Replace the Batteries
Many wonder why it is only now the Chinese is making the move to replace lead-acid batteries. With the latest developments, Chinese experts believe that lithium-battery-powered submarines would most likely adopt the iron phosphate strategy as the country relies on outside nations for the supply of nickel and cobalt.
It is also worth noting that China is not the first to consider using lithium batteries for the submarines. In fact, the Japanese navy was the first to use this type of battery in 2018. In addition, South Korea also launched its first lithium-powered submarine with the use of nickel and cobalt in 2021. Even though the functionality of the battery was similar to those used in smartphones, the South Korean military claimed it had extra safeguards in place to ensure its safe functioning at sea.
Lithium Technology
The use of lithium batteries in military submarines is not surprising, as this use has been prevalent in civilian submarines for the last few years. These batteries have been used to power the undersea sections of many submarines.
Having lithium batteries in conventional submarines could lead to additional safety measures to avoid fire. This is because lithium batteries can be charged quickly and this could mean that the submarine's torpedo tubes could be reloaded in a short time.
The country is not just looking at improving its navy; it is also looking to solve its pollution problem in the process. As a result, China will soon make the shift to clean energy in the country's transportation sector. This means that it is possible that lead-acid batteries will soon be a thing of the past in the country.
Related Article: Lead-Acid vs Lithium-Ion Batteries: Which is More Harmful to the Environment
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Written by April Fowell
