Power and oxygen sources for a diver propulsion vehicle

Diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs) are used by recreational and military divers. For the latter divers there is a need for special DPVs which have low magnetic and acoustic signatures so that they can operate in areas were mines are known or suspected to exist or dumped munitions. The possibility of constructing a power system for such a DPV was investigated. Since commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products are being used increasingly in military systems a survey and evaluation of existing power systems technologies was conducted. One of the most viable options identified was the use of a Stirling engine. As part of the military specification was the use of a liquid hydrocarbon fuel it was necessary to explore ways in which the necessary oxidant could be provided, using a commercial product, if possible. In the latter case the use of oxygen candles was identified as a viable option. Thus, a Stirling engine system was designed and a breadboard unit constructed and experimental studies of a COTS oxygen candle were conducted. It was determined that such a combination of oxygen source and energy convertor was worthy of further investigation.