With the increasing demand for the development and exploration of Marine resources, underwater vehicles (ROV, AUV, etc.) are playing an increasingly important role in Marine engineering, scientific research, military applications and other fields. As the core power source of underwater robots, the performance of lithium batteries directly affects its endurance, work efficiency and safety. This paper will discuss the application status of lithium battery in underwater robot and its future development prospect.
Advantages of lithium battery application in underwater robots:
1. High energy density
Lithium batteries have become the preferred power source for underwater robots due to their high energy density. Compared with traditional lead-acid batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium batteries can provide more power at the same volume and weight, thus extending the working time of underwater robots. For example, the energy density of lithium-ion batteries can reach 150 to 250 Wh/kg, while lead-acid batteries are only 30 to 50 Wh/kg.
2. Long cycle life
Lithium batteries have a long cycle life, usually reaching 500 to 2,000 charge and discharge cycles, which reduces the maintenance cost of underwater vehicles and improves their reliability.
3. Fast charging capability
Lithium batteries support fast charging and can recover most of the power in a short period of time, which is especially important for underwater robots that need to work frequently.
4. Environmental adaptability
Lithium batteries can work in a wide temperature range (usually -20 ° C to 60 ° C), and have good waterproof performance, suitable for the use of underwater robots in deep-sea high-pressure environments.
Technical challenges of lithium batteries in underwater vehicles:
1. Security issues
Lithium batteries may lose thermal control when they are overcharged, overdischarged or subjected to mechanical shock, and even cause fire or explosion. This is a major safety hazard for underwater vehicles.
2. Deep sea high-pressure environment
In the deep-sea high-pressure environment, the tightness and structural strength of lithium batteries face a severe test. How to ensure the stable operation of the battery under high pressure is the focus of current research.
3. Cost issue
The manufacturing cost of high-performance lithium batteries is high, which limits their wide application in underwater robots to some extent.
Development prospect:
With the continuous progress of lithium battery technology, its application in underwater robots will be more extensive. In the future, lithium batteries are expected to achieve the following breakthroughs:
1. Higher energy density: Through new materials and new processes, the energy density of lithium batteries will be further improved, extending the life time of underwater robots.
2. Stronger security: The popularity of solid-state batteries and smart BMS will significantly improve the safety of lithium batteries.
3. Lower cost: Large-scale production and the application of new technologies will reduce the manufacturing cost of lithium batteries, making their application in underwater robots more popular.
conclusion
As the core power source of underwater vehicle, the performance of lithium battery directly affects the working efficiency and reliability of underwater vehicle. Although there are still challenges such as safety, deep-sea adaptability and cost, with the continuous progress of technology, the application of lithium batteries in underwater robots has a broad prospect. In the future, the breakthrough of lithium battery technology will bring more efficient and safer power solutions for underwater robots, and promote the further development of ocean exploration and development.
