How do the engines breathe in diesel submarines?

An image of a submarine.
Diesel subs have two or more diesel engines. They work in combination, one engine driving a propeller and the other driving a generator. Stocktrek Images / Getty Images/Stocktrek Images

Key Takeaways

  • Diesel submarines must surface or use a snorkel to run their diesel engines, which either propel the sub directly or recharge large battery banks for underwater propulsion.
  • Once submerged, the sub relies entirely on battery-powered electric motors for movement, limiting its underwater endurance.
  • Nuclear-powered submarines, which do not require atmospheric oxygen for power generation, can remain submerged for weeks, offering a significant advantage over diesel-electric subs.

A diesel submarine is a very good example of a hybrid vehicle. Most diesel subs have two or more diesel engines. The diesels can run propellers or they can run generators that recharge a very large battery bank. They can also work in combination, one engine driving a propeller and the other driving a generator.

The sub must surface (or cruise just below the surface using a snorkel) to run the diesel engines. Once the batteries are fully charged, the sub can head underwater. The batteries power electric motors that drive the propellers. Battery operation is the only way a diesel sub can actually submerge.

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The limits of battery technology severely constrain the amount of time a diesel sub can stay underwater. This is the huge benefit of using nuclear power in a sub. Nuclear generators need no oxygen, so a nuclear sub can stay underwater for weeks at a time. See How Nuclear Power Works for a description.

These links will help you learn more:

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