Battery usage underwater is made possible with innovative solutions

Despite the prevalent belief among many subsea vehicle and equipment manufacturers that batteries cannot be used underwater, Southwest Electronic Energy, a subsidiary of Ultralife Corporation, challenges this notion daily with its groundbreaking battery technology. The company has announced the availability of five standard SeaSafe battery packs capable of functioning at ocean depths exceeding 6,000m.

Addressing the multiple challenges associated with reliable subsea battery usage, the company has developed innovative solutions that ensure optimal performance and safety in underwater environments.

One of the primary hurdles in subsea battery usage is the vulnerability of electrical connections to water ingress, which can potentially lead to short circuits. The company mitigates this risk by employing subsea-characterised cables and connectors renowned for their reliability in subsea applications.

Also, battery modules are enclosed within 1 ATM pressure vessels or pressure balance oil filled (PBOF) cases, safeguarding them against subsea water exposure. Bulkhead connectors on the external subsea side of the vessel or case meet stringent subsea requirements, ensuring watertight integrity.

Subsea environments subject equipment to immense pressure. The company addresses this challenge by designing proprietary integrated circuits, battery cells, and modules tailored for pressure tolerance.

SeaSafe battery packs deliver an impressive pressure tolerance rating of up to 6,000m, ensuring uninterrupted performance even at extreme depths.

The company integrates advanced BMS into every battery module to maintain optimal safety and functionality. These systems enable automatic electricity cutoff in unsafe conditions and provide real-time monitoring of battery health and remaining capacity. Distributed battery management mitigates the risk of single points of failure, ensuring uninterrupted operation in critical subsea applications.

"While the notion of using batteries underwater may seem improbable, SWE's innovative solutions prove otherwise," said Leon Adams, chief sales and marketing officer at Southwest Electronic Energy. "Our SeaSafe battery packs not only withstand subsea conditions but also feature advanced thermal management systems that ensure optimal performance in varying underwater temperatures. This capability is crucial for missions in diverse marine environments, enhancing both reliability and longevity of the battery life."

Selecting the right battery chemistry is paramount in efficiently powering subsea vehicles and equipment. The company's SeaSafe Lithium-ion battery packs are a testament to superior performance, providing four times longer mission run time and six times longer battery life than SLA alternatives.