Design and operational challenges of compressed air systems on conventional submarines

摘要

Compressed air systems play a pivotal role in the successful operation of today's conventional submarines. They are essential in carrying out a range of key operations that include the firing of weapons, providing air for the life support of personnel in escape and emergency situations, the starting of diesel engines and, perhaps most importantly, bringing the submarine safely to the surface. The roles of submarine compressed air systems, from initial system design and equipment selection criteria through to operational and maintenance limitations and considerations will be discussed in this paper.