The project, led by the University of Vaasa and involving a consortium of Finnish companies and research organisations, is researching ways to improve the efficiency of marine and off-road transport
The Clean Propulsion Technologies project will address tightening emissions legislation and ways that new technologies can be employed to create sustainable propulsion.
The most significant technological aspects of the project are the development of a medium-speed engine working in fuel-flexible reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) mode; the further development of dual-fuel engine technology to enable a drastic reduction in methane emissions at low and partial load; selective catalytic reduction (SCR) control technology improvements; and the development of machine learning control technology for greater accuracy in engine automation and control.
Research will further focus on developments in advanced after-treatment measures aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20%. Designing and implementing an optimal predictive powertrain control architecture for hybrid propulsion is also on the agenda.
University of Vaasa associate professor Maciej Mikulski said “The common goal is to secure the Finnish powertrain industry’s position as a global technology leader by creating a common vision and sustainable business solutions,” adding that powertrain equipment manufacturer Wärtsilä is among the project partners.
“A decarbonised future is essential for the marine industry, and Wärtsilä is an established thought leader as we work towards this target. This project will help us by developing concepts, together with other technology leaders, that will make propulsion even more sustainable than it is today,” said Wärtsilä Marine Power director of R&D and engineering Juha Kytölä.
In addition to the University of Vaasa and Wärtsilä, the other project partners are Aalto University, Åbo Akademi University, Tampere University, VTT Research Centre of Finland, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, AGCO Power, Meyer Turku, Napa, Dinex Finland, Geyser Batteries, Proventia, Bosch Rexroth, and APUGenius.
The project is expected to run until Q2 2023, and has been granted funding of €7.9M (US$9.5M) by Business Finland, the Finnish Government’s organisation for innovation funding and trade, travel and investment promotion.
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