2009-10 Team Project Summaries

Return to 2009-10 Finalists

Naval Surface Warfare Center—Crane Division
Crane, IN, USA

Submarine Valve Regulated Lead Acid

Presentation: Monday, May 24, 10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Room: 266

Type of Team: Lean Six Sigma

The Submarine Valve Regulated Lead Acid DMAIC project was a joint collaboration between the Department of Defense, U.S. Navy, NSWC Crane, and Exide Technologies. The Crane Energy Division is the in-service engineering agent (ISEA) for batteries used in U.S. Navy submarines and Exide is the battery manufacturer. The two organizations have a long history of working together to engineer, design, test, evaluate, and subsequently manufacture batteries for the Navy’s boats. In 2008, a capacity issue was identified on submarines utilizing the newly installed and recently redesigned VRLA batteries. Subsequently, a Lean Six Sigma team was chartered to identify, examine, and mitigate root cause variables throughout the supply chain. The team used tools such as design of experiments, root cause diagrams, kaizen events, failure mode and effects analysis, and correlation and regression studies. Statistical analysis of normality, stability, and capability were also used to help validate permanent solution sets. The results were the achievement of strong capability indicators relative to battery capacity specifications and lifecycle performance expectations. This activity ensured Navy submarine operational specifications were robust and lead to significant maintenance savings throughout the lifecycle of the batteries.

Return to 2009-10 Finalists