Das Projekt "Entwicklung von Tastensystemen fuer Offshore-Tauchboote - Phase 2" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Thyssen Nordseewerke durchgeführt. Objective: The overall aim of the project is to further pursue the development of the key systems of offshore submarines begun in Phase I (TH. 07062/86) in order to attain the level of proven technology. By extensive testing of those systems which are not standard technology on test rigs and in a submarine in real operations, it is intended to obtain sufficient data to gain acceptance from potential users and to qualify the submarine for sub sea work. See projects TH./07062/86 and OG./00064/91. General Information: The project covers the engineering, construction and testing of the systems mentioned below. The programme also includes the engineering for the installation of the test rigs in a submarine. It is planned to install the plant in a existing submarine and test the systems in real sub sea operations in a subsequent Phase III. Energy system: Based on the experience gained on the test rig built in Phase I, a new and improved closed cycle diesel engine of 150 kW will be engineered and built. The improvements are expected to achieve the following: (1) Increase in the specific power output. (2) Improvement of the system efficiency. (3) Reduction in noise level. (4) Higher endurance. After extensive testing of the new closed cycle diesel on the test rig, it is planned to install the plant on a submarine for trials at sea. The engineering for the installation is part of the current project. Life support system: During Phase I a concept for the regenerative CO2 absorption system was established. In the present project a full scale test plant for a full submarine crew is to be engineered, built and tested on a land based rig. Later the equipment will be tested together with the energy system on a submarine in a planned Phase III. Achievements: The technical objectives of this part project with respect to: - increase in specific power output or conversely decrease in space requirements per unit power; - improvement of the system efficiency; - reduction in noise level; - improved reliability and higher endurance were achieved. The test rig achieved a power output in excess of 450 kWe. Life support system: After some initial problems with the behaviour of the amine granules in the absorption beds, the test CO2 control system performed satisfactorily. It achieved 94 per cent of the design rating of 220 l/h (CO2 removal) for a submarine crew of 11 persons at atmospheric conditions of 17 deg. C and 40 per cent r.h. Endurance tests were not performed during the current Phase; these are planned for Phase III.