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The European conglomerate OCCAR has reached an important milestone in the implementation of the U212 NFS ("submarine of the near future") program by launching the introduction of LBS, a "new generation lithium battery system". It will be equipped with all 4 submarines of the NFS project, starting with the lead one, the delivery of which to the Italian Navy is scheduled for early 2029 [although it was previously expected in 2027].
The development of new batteries was ordered by the Italian Ministry of Defense back in 2013 to increase the efficiency, durability and energy intensity of the submarine power plant. An Italian company acts as the lead contractor.
As explained in the Navy, compared with a lead-acid solution, a lithium rechargeable battery provides higher performance along with better modularity, scalability and lower maintenance costs.
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A lithium-ion installation can already provide energy consumption almost twice that of a lead-acid analog, allows fast charging at high current, maintains constant voltage over a wide range and guarantees very low self-discharge, high efficiency, no memory effect, a large number of cycles and a longer service life of up to 10 years compared to 5 for the current lead-acid solution.
- explained in the Italian Navy.
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As indicated, LBS, due to its modularity and scalability, can be installed on various underwater manned and unmanned watercraft.
LBS will be based on semi-solid batteries of the next generation, which are expected to be available in 2026-2030. The 65 Ah battery is constructed from electrodes based on the lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) compound.
- noted in the Navy.
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The cylindrical shape of the element, placed in a stainless steel housing, will provide increased structural strength and greater heat dissipation, while the passive protection inside the element will be responsible for controlling temperature, current, voltage and electrical insulation; a safety valve and a gas outlet and cooling control system guarantee a high level of safety.
The LBS design allows the installation of a new battery system on the U212A submarines already in service with [Germany and Italy] during their modernization.
The creation of lithium batteries will eventually cost more than the development of lead batteries, but this is supposed to be compensated by less expensive maintenance. LBS is currently undergoing bench tests, followed by qualification tests, which are scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.
