Technology group Wärtsilä is collaborating on an innovative research project to develop cleaner and more energy-efficient engines using a closed loop combustion cycle. The initiative, part of the Integrated Hydrogen-Argon Power Cycle (iHAPC) consortium, explores the use of argon—a non-toxic inert gas abundant in the atmosphere—to enhance the efficiency of balancing engines. Led by the University of Vaasa, the project involves Business Finland and a network of partners, aiming to create groundbreaking solutions for the energy sector.

The research focuses on scaling up the Argon Power Cycle (APC) for medium-speed engines, incorporating full argon recovery to maximise efficiency. In a traditional internal combustion engine, fuel combustion generates mechanical power by igniting a mixture of air and fuel. The APC replaces air with a mix of argon and oxygen, capitalising on argon’s superior thermodynamic properties to achieve greater efficiency.

When the input materials consist of hydrogen, oxygen, and argon, the process produces only water and inert argon as outputs. The argon is recycled from exhaust to inlet, creating a closed loop combustion cycle. Hydrogen and oxygen, integral to the process, are derived from electrolysis, further enhancing the efficiency of the power-to-hydrogen-to-power system.

Rasmus Teir, director of sustainability & future plant concepts at Wärtsilä Energy, commented:

“We have the technologies needed to deliver a 100 percent renewable energy future. And our ambition must be to continuously innovate solutions that further improve affordability and sustainability. The Argon Power Cycle is an innovative technology that has the potential to impact these factors positively.”

Balancing engines play a critical role in renewable energy systems, ensuring grid stability by complementing intermittent wind and solar power. Current high-efficiency gas engines are ready for conversion to sustainable fuels like hydrogen as these become more widely available. With global sustainable fuel production projected to reach 38 million tonnes by 2030—one-third more than current demand—the transition to hydrogen is expected within the next decade.

The three-year project is part of the WISE (Wide and Intelligent Sustainable Energy) programme, led by Wärtsilä and supported by funding from Business Finland. The iHAPC consortium includes prominent organisations such as the University of Vaasa, University of Oulu, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Parker Hannifin Manufacturing Finland Oy, Vahterus Oy, Vaisala Oyj, and TotalEnergies.

Professor Maciej Mikulski of the University of Vaasa, who leads the iHAPC project, highlighted the transformative potential of the research:

“The Argon Power Cycle enables full valorisation of green hydrogen with unparalleled power generation efficiency. I see this as a potential breakthrough for the energy sector. The University of Vaasa plays a crucial role in advancing such innovative energy solutions with a strong focus on sustainability. With our expertise in fuel analytics, modelling and simulation, powertrain testing, and control development, we are well-equipped and excited to lead this project.”

This research initiative reinforces Wärtsilä’s commitment to advancing technologies that support a sustainable and affordable renewable energy future. By leveraging innovative solutions like the Argon Power Cycle, the project aims to contribute significantly to the decarbonisation of the energy sector.

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