The MARPOWER project, supported by the European Union, is developing an advanced energy conversion system based on gas turbines for electricity generation and energy co-generation on ships. This system is designed to operate with various sustainable fuels while enhancing overall efficiency.
Technological Advancements and System Design
After two years since the project's inception, the overall cycle and system design have been completed, and detailed designs for its main components have been developed. Several key technologies have also reached the production and experimental testing stage. These advancements include optimized compressors, turbines, and the successful testing of a combustion chamber prototype with 100 percent hydrogen.
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The performance of the MARPOWER system depends on the performance of its compressors and turbines. Designs for both low and high-pressure compressors have been completed, and the design and optimization of the low-pressure turbine have also been carried out. These developments have taken into account the specific architectural features of MARPOWER and the need for fuel flexibility.
Fuel Flexibility and Efficiency Improvement
Fuel flexibility is one of the central features of the MARPOWER concept. The system has been developed to support sustainable and net-zero fuel options, including hydrogen, ammonia, renewable methanol, and renewable methane, with limited changes in the combustion system. The MARPOWER combustion chamber prototype has been produced and successfully tested with 100 percent hydrogen.
The overall efficiency improvement of MARPOWER is not only dependent on the gas turbine performance but is also related to the increased utilization of thermal energy available in the cycle. A scaled prototype of the recuperator has been produced and has successfully passed non-destructive testing and pressure testing. This recuperator recovers heat from the gas turbine cycle, and its capacity is designed to enhance efficiency using a new heat transfer surface geometry.
The MARPOWER project also addresses the increased use of waste heat through a complementary waste heat recovery system. The design of this system includes a WHR steam boiler and the associated cycle, including a steam turbine, pump, generator, AMBs, and rotor dynamics. These approaches are employed to enhance overall efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.
The development of load-bearing and control technologies for high-speed rotating machinery is another important aspect of this project. Active magnetic bearings (AMB) are designed to support the rotor without mechanical contact and assist in actively controlling its position.
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