Following their briefing of March 26, 2021, on Japanese submarine Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs), Derek Woolner and David Glynne Jones have kindly provided information on LIBs for:
- South Korea's new conventionally (diesel-electric) propelled cruise and/or ballistic
missile submarines (KSS-III SSBs), and
- Chinese Yuan-class conventionally propelled attack submarines (SSKs).
SOUTH KOREA (SK)
SK is building its 9 x KSS-III SSBs in 3 “Blocks” of 3 each. The first 3 (KSS-III Block 1s) will have current technology Lead-acid Batteries (LABs) and fuel cell Air Independent Propulsion (AIP).
For KSS-III Blocks 2 and 3 SK undertook a research process which determined LIBs were the best way to go. Blocks 2 and 3 will have reportedly use Samsung SDI LIBs. See further details here and here .
SK’s 3 x KSS-III Block 2s will be [launched 2022-23 and 24 then steadily commissioned] in the mid-late 2020s. They will be equipped with LIB main batteries and fuel cell AIP. The Block 2 LIB main battery system will be approximately double the effective capacity of the Collins class submarine main battery but less than half the weight.
[Pete Comment: On the basis of JS Oryu's launch in October 2018 and the first KSS-III Block 2 perhaps being launched in late 2022, SK LIB development may be 4 years behind Japan’s. SK’s KSS-IIIs will not be typical SSKs (unlike Japan’s Soryus and Taigeis or SK's KSS-Is and KSS-IIs). SK’s KSS-IIIs are dedicated carriers of vertical launch systems for cruise or ballistic missiles - making these subs SSBs].
CHINA – A LIB MAYBE
Rounding out East Asian LIB developments. There have been unconfirmed reports, since 2015, that China has been planning to build a LIB-equipped evolution of the Yuan-class Type 039 SSK.
There are strengthening indications that China will build a significant number (> 20) of Type 039C LIB-equipped submarines in the mid-late 2020s. See https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/yuan-units.htm [Limited free looks Paysite.]
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[Pete Comment: See this free Submarine Matters article, dated February 5, 2016, China's Yuan Subs May Adopt LIB Batteries. It is possible China's Winston Battery company (aka "Shenzhen Smart Lion Power Battery Limited" and/or "Thunder Sky") is developing a 335kg WB-LYP10000AHA LIB (photo/artwork above) for submarines. Sub LIBs may already be aboard one or two of Chinese Yuan class (039A) test submarines or on China’s dedicated large test sub (known as the Type 032 “Qing” class). Alternatively the Winston LIB concept might be a marketing idea to attract foreign finance. It is possible Russia may be interested in the Winston LIB concept.]
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About Derek Woolner and David Glynne Jones
Derek is co-author of the 2008 classic The Collins Class Submarine Story: Steel, Spies and Spin . He is a previous Director of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Group in the Parliamentary Research Service.
David is an independent advocate for the adoption of renewable energy technology across all sectors of the Australian economy. He is currently assessing the implications of emerging advanced battery technology for electrification of the Australian transport sector.
Their blog-website is Woolner and Jones.