Open Water Power starts developing new aluminium-based battery to power underwater vehicles

Open Water Power has started to develop the newest aluminium-based battery that “drinks” seawater for power generation. It would provide autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) a tenfold increase in range over traditional lithium-ion batteries.

Open Water Power, based in Massachusetts, was founded in 2013 to develop undersea power using a patented technology.

Recently, the company has been acquired by major tech firm L3 Technologies for an undisclosed amount. Open Water Power has already developed a novel aluminium-water power system used for unpiloted underwater vehicles.  

The system consists of an “alloyed aluminium anode, an alloyed cathode, and an alkaline electrolyte positioned between the electrodes. Components are only activated when flooded with water. Once the aluminium anode corrodes, it can be replaced at low cost,” as reported.

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At present, Open Water Power is working with the U.S. Navy to substitute batteries in acoustic sensors designed to detect enemy submarines. The startup is expected to launch a pilot with Riptide Autonomous Solutions, which will use the UUVs for underwater surveys.