Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Aerospace announced on the 20th that they have won a project for the modification and development of weapons systems under the direction of the Defense Technology Promotion Institute, focusing on the export-oriented 3,000-ton (t) KSS-Ⅲ (next-generation nitrogen-mixed long-life Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PFMFC) module-equipped fuel cell system).

The submarine appearance. /Courtesy of Hanwha Ocean

Hanwha Ocean was highly regarded for its experience in exporting submarines in South Korea for the first time and for securing dedicated and specialized research organizations for overseas exports, leading to its role in managing this project. Hanwha Aerospace plans to secure key components for the fuel cell system for export submarines by 2028.

Submarine fuel cells will be utilized as an Air Independent Propulsion System (AIPS), allowing submarines to operate without the supply of external air. This enables submarines to remain submerged for more than two weeks. The fuel cell AIPS is advantageous compared to other systems due to its high efficiency, and low noise and vibration.

The polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PFMFC) utilized in the development of this fuel cell system generates electricity through the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. It consists of an anode, cathode, and polymer electrolyte membrane, featuring advantages such as rapid start-up time, low operating temperature, high power density, and environmental friendliness.

Hanwha Aerospace aims to develop a proprietary export-oriented fuel cell module for submarines based on its experience in developing fuel cell systems for aerospace, commercial ships, and military unmanned submarines, securing core technologies. Through this project, Hanwha Ocean plans to develop a fuel cell system with superior performance compared to advanced competitors and apply it to export submarines, further enhancing competitiveness in the global submarine market.