Southwest Electronic Energy has announced availability of five standard SeaSafe battery packs capable of functioning at ocean depths of 6,000 m.
One of the primary hurdles in subsea battery usage is the vulnerability of electrical connections to water ingress, potentially leading to short circuits. SWE mitigates this risk by employing subsea characterised cables and connectors renowned for their reliability in subsea applications.
Furthermore, 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.
With subsea environments subjecting equipment to immense pressure, SWE addresses this challenge by designing proprietary integrated circuits, battery cells and modules tailored for pressure tolerance. SeaSafe battery packs boast a pressure tolerance rating of up to 6,000 m, ensuring uninterrupted performance even at extreme depths.
To maintain optimal safety and functionality, SWE integrates advanced battery management systems (BMS) into every battery module. These facilitate 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.
Selecting the right battery chemistry is paramount in powering subsea vehicles and equipment efficiently. SWE’s SeaSafe lithium-ion battery packs stand as a testament to superior performance, offering four times longer mission run time and six times longer battery life compared to sealed lead acid (SLA) alternatives.