Currently, the maritime industry remains heavily reliant on fossil-fuel-based power systems. Traditional engines used in shipping predominantly run on diesel or LNG. While these systems are efficient and reliable, they significantly contribute to global emissions. To meet the decarbonization targets set by international bodies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the sector must transition to more sustainable power sources.
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Bernd Dittrich/Unsplash
The Marpower project aims to develop an advanced zero-emissions gas turbine energy conversion system (MECS) that can run on fuels as diverse as hydrogen, green methanol, methane and ammonia with equal efficiency and low emissions to reduce both marine pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. The project received funding from the horizon program.
The global economy is depending on international shipping – almost 90 percent of cargos are transported by ships. However, it also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). In response, the International Maritime Organization introduced a a strategy to halve carbon intensity by 2030. The MarPower project contributes to this global effort by advancing climate-neutral solutions for maritime transport.
The project aims to develop an innovative, flexible energy conversion system capable of utilizing a broad range of sustainable fuels like green methane, methanol, hydrogen and ammonia with minimal modifications to existing combustion systems. The system’s modular design supports both electrical power generation and combined Heat and Power (CHP) modes, making it adaptable to a range of maritime applications. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, the Marpower project aims to set new standards for sustainable maritime transport. Its innovations will significantly contribute to global efforts ro reduce environmental impacts and promote cleaner oceans.
The project is driven by an interdisciplinary consortium comprising eleven European contributors from six countries. Each partner brings specialized expertise to ensure the successful development and integration of the gas turbine energy conversion system (MECS). VT is bringing in its expertise in alternative fuels and combustion technologies, ensuring the system is compatible, reliable and safe for use with sustainable energy sources.
As part of the Marpower project, our institute is contributing its extensive expertise in jet-stabilized combustion systems, which are characterized by high fuel flexibility and low pollutant emissions. We are responsible for designing and developing the combustion chamber for the energy conversion system (MECS), which must meet strict requirements. We are building on the combustion chamber we developed, which is already in use in Aurelia's A400 gas turbine. First, atmospheric combustion chamber tests will be carried out with natural gas and hydrogen. Based on this, the combustion chamber will then be further optimized in two iterative steps to achieve fuel flexibility.
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MarPower
We will focus particularly on the combustion of hydrogen, which presents challenges due to its unique combustion behavior. Our burner concepts are designed to address these challenges and ensure safe, efficient combustion. Jet-stabilized burners are already being used successfully in large stationary and micro gas turbines. Therefore, they make an important contribution to sustainable energy generation and reducing emissions in the energy sector.
