HELIOS - The Development of a New Ship Engine Generation
Overview
Background & policy context:
Concerned the development of a gas fuelled two stroke marine diesel engine. Such an engine would meet the environmental restrictions of international maritime operations and provide the shipowner with an engine with financial benefits.
Objectives:
The objective of HELIOS was to develop a marine low speed two-stroke gas Diesel engine research platform that is realistically sized for direct drive marine propulsion, and which has an emission footprint which compared to present Diesel engine technology is reduced as follows:
- CO2: 20-30%
- NOx: 10-15%
- SOx : 90-100%
- PM: 60-70%.
Since 99% of the world commercial fleet is powered by diesel engines, marine gas Diesel engine technology can greatly contribute to the greening of waterborne transportation.
The potential of the HELIOS project was further enhanced by the possibility of retrofit of gas Diesel technology onto existing ships in service, since the needed modifications in components are limited and do not need removal or reinstallation of vessel's engine. The research platform was the basis for a new generation of high pressure gas injection engines operating on compressed natural gas (CNG) and/or liquefied natural gas (LNG), using Diesel type and partly pre-mixed combustion principles. The new generation of engines should be fully electronically controlled and have power ratings from 5000 to 100 000 kW.
Methodology:
Cooperation of nine partners. The partners develop specialised technology, which are being tested at a test engine of the coordinator, MAN Diesel Turbo. The project was organised in 12 work packages.
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