The United States of America has arguably the world’s most powerful and most advanced submarine fleet, which is also the only one in the world that is fully nuclear-powered. Life at, or under, the sea comes with its own set of challenges, especially for submarines, which are designed to run fully submerged for months on end if operationally necessary. This means special waste handling procedures are required to deal with the inevitable waste generation caused by over 100 crew members living and working in close quarters for upwards of a year at a time!
Unlike surface vessels, which often store their gray and black water in tanks and dump them into city sewage systems upon docking, submarines are very much at the mercy of their storage capacity. When loading on provisions, parts, and other essentials onto a sub, every piece of packaging that isn’t absolutely essential has to be removed dockside. This also means there’s very limited space to store gray, black, and bilgewater that builds up during submarine running. Incinerating the waste isn’t an option because this could generate a heat signature that can be detected by hostile forces. So, what’s the solution?
Unfortunately, if you guessed, “Dump it in the ocean,” you guessed correctly.
All submarines have trash disposal tubes separated from open water by a ball valve for removing food, packaging, and human waste from the vessel. These tubes utilize special weighted containers that must be assembled by crew members and loaded with trash and waste. When the sub’s skipper deems it safe, the containers are jettisoned. Trash day is a big (and dangerous) deal aboard a submarine because the telltale sounds of a sub “flushing” can lead hostiles straight to it, and the sub is generally a sitting duck during disposal operations, making the vessel an easy target.
The Navy is exploring and experimenting with alternative methods of human waste disposal, including ultrafiltration, biotreatment, and catalysis. But for now, subs at sea have to deal with the human waste they generate in a way that hasn’t changed much in six thousand years!
While the United States may have the most powerful and advanced submarine fleet, it is important to consider the potential risks and challenges associated with nuclear-powered submarines. One unique solution to address these concerns could be the development and implementation of alternative propulsion systems for submarines.
One potential alternative is the use of hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, with the only byproduct being water. This technology has already been successfully used in various industries, including automotive and aerospace, and could be adapted for submarine propulsion.
By utilizing hydrogen fuel cells, submarines could significantly reduce their environmental impact, as they would produce zero emissions. Additionally, hydrogen fuel cells offer longer endurance and quieter operation compared to traditional nuclear-powered submarines. This would not only enhance the stealth capabilities of submarines but also reduce the risks associated with nuclear reactors, such as potential meltdowns or radioactive waste.
Implementing hydrogen fuel cells in submarines would require significant research and development, as well as infrastructure for hydrogen production and storage. However, the long-term benefits in terms of sustainability and safety make it a worthwhile investment.
By exploring alternative propulsion systems like hydrogen fuel cells, the United States could maintain its submarine fleet’s power and advanced capabilities while also addressing environmental concerns and reducing the risks associated with nuclear power. This innovative approach could set a precedent for other countries to follow, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and secure future for submarine operations worldwide.