Modernização dos sistemas de propulsão, geração e alimentação da viatura Leopard 1 A5 utilizando células a combustível

Abstract

The electrification of passenger vehicles, which has already reached commercial levels, has brought about significant changes in usage, supply, maintenance, and lifecycle compared to Internal Combustion Engine-powered vehicles. Additionally, the electrification of mobility aims to reduce pollutant emissions and greenhouse gasses. Faced with this scenario, the question arises whether the electrification of military operational vehicles is appropriate. The vital importance of defending territorial integrity and maintaining national sovereignty, coupled with the small size of the operational fleets of the Brazilian Army compared to civilian fleets, tend to diminish the relevance of environmental criteria in any decision-making regarding energy transition in the Armed Forces. Additionally, the price of an internal combustion engine vehicle is significantly lower than that of a battery electric or fuel cell electric vehicle. Therefore, the decision regarding the Armed Forces' adoption of electrification and energy transition should be based primarily on technical, operational, logistical, and strategic criteria. The changes brought about by battery electrification or fuel cell electrification should be analyzed in the context of military application to assess their overall impact. These changes include increased efficiency in power conversion, regenerative braking, low idling consumption, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, the possibility of hydrogen generation through water electrolysis, decreased thermal signature and vehicle noise, among others. This work aims to analyze these factors specifically applied to the fleet of Leopard 1 A5 BR Main Battle Tanks, introducing operational and logistical aspects to evaluate the hypothetical performance of such an electrified fleet. The discussion covers battery electrification, types of fuel cells, fuel types, hydrogen storage methods, as well as logistical and strategic aspects of electrification, and a dimensioning of components for a fuel cell-based electrification.