Large engines with high power density for hydrogen operation – Hydrogen Powered Large Engine - HydroPoLEn
In the HydroPoLEn joint project, the WTZ Roßlau is developing engine concepts for maritime hydrogen applications together with its project partners. The project partners include leading operators from the cruise sector (Carnival Maritime GmbH) and marine engine development (MAN Energy Solutions SE). In addition, Tenneco Inc. as a motor component manufacturer and the Technical University of Munich as another research institution in the field of alternative energy solutions are involved as project partners.
The aim of the project, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK), is to develop engine concepts for medium-speed marine engines that run on hydrogen. To this end, combustion-related components of the injection and ignition system as well as the piston ring package are to be adapted and the effects investigated in engine tests. Another task of the project is to develop a concept for the integration of the drive unit and fuel storage as a combined system. In addition to challenges relating to the combustion process, HydroPoLEn also focuses on engine efficiency, safety concepts and the integration of developed technologies into the ship. In terms of system integration, the focus is on improving the performance and durability of the hydrogen engine in order to offer a sustainable propulsion solution in the maritime sector.
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WTZ Roßlau gGmbH’s role in this joint project is initially to set up and operate an injection test bench in order to characterize injection components for hydrogen injection. The tests on this test bench are carried out with hydrogen and alternatively with nitrogen at pressures of up to 70 bar.
Furthermore, research engines of the type FM35 and FM32 are being converted and equipped with optical measurement technology. By using this minimally invasive combustion diagnostics, the effects of optimized hydrogen combustion are to be visualized and evaluated in engine tests with mono- and dual-fuel combustion processes. By implementing a hydrogen-powered, medium-speed engine concept for the maritime sector, greenhouse gas emissions in this area can be significantly reduced. The project can thus contribute significantly to the defossilization of the marine sector and promotes a sustainable future for shipping.
