HERCULES: High efficiency engine R&D on combustion with ultra low emissions for ships

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 03.0349-4

Key words (English)

Emissions marine transport

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: 506676

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 6. Frame Research Programme - 1.6.2 Urspr. Progr. Sustainable surface transport

Short description (English)

See abstract

Abstract (English)

The HERCULES I.P. will develop new technologies to drastically reduce gaseous and particulate emissions Tom marine engines and concurrently increase engine efficiency and reliability, hence reduce specific fuel :consumption, CO2 emissions and engine lifecycle costs. Successive objectives for improvements to be available onboard ships are set for the years 2010 and 2020.
These objectives will be attained through interrelated developments in thermodynamics and mechanics of 'extreme' parameter engines, advanced combustion concepts, multistage intelligent turbocharging, 'hot' engines with energy recovery and compounding, internal emission reduction methods and advanced aftertreatment techniques, new sensors for emissions and performance monitoring, adaptive control for intelligent engines. Advanced process models and engineering software tools will be developed, to assist in :component design. Prototype components will be manufactured and rig-tested. Engine experimental designs will be assessed on testbeds to validate the new technologies and confirm the achieved objectives. Full-scale hip board testing of chosen systems will demonstrate the potential benefits of next-generation marine engines.
The work is structured in 9 Workpackages, with 18 Tasks and 54 Subprojects. The Consortium includes engine makers, component suppliers and equipment manufacturers, compounded by renowned universities and research institutions, as well as, world-class shipping companies. The partners hold 80% of the world market in marine engines and hence are the keepers of to day's best-available-technology.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 03.0349-4