Pure methanol marine engine successfully tested
The engine from Rolls-Royce is reportedly the first in the world to run on 100% methanol.
Developed as part of the meOHmare research project, the engine is a step closer to more environmentally friendly propulsion solutions for shipping.
Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the project brings together Rolls-Royce, injection system specialist Woodward L’Orange and the WTZ Roßlau technology and research centre.
The goal is to create a comprehensive concept for a CO2-neutral marine engine based on green methanol by the end of 2025, with Rolls-Royce seeking to offer its customers efficient ways to reduce their CO2 emissions.
Senior Vice President Global Marine at Rolls-Royce Denise Kurtulus emphasises that, ‘With this successful test run, we are sending a clear signal: green methanol is a future-oriented fuel – and the technology for it is here. The single-fuel methanol engine is an attractive solution, especially for operators of ferries, yachts or supply vessels who want to reduce their carbon footprint. The task now is to create the framework conditions for wider use.’
Unlike diesel, liquid methanol does not ignite spontaneously and requires a completely new injection technology, posing new challenges for engineering.
‘We have fundamentally redesigned the combustion process, the turbocharging and the engine control system – and even adapted our test bench infrastructure,’ explains Dr Johannes Kech, Head of Methanol Engine Development in the Power Systems division at Rolls-Royce.
In future, the engine could be run on green methanol, a promising marine fuel that is claimed to be a CO2-neutral, clean and safe alternative if produced using electricity from renewable energies in a power-to-X process.
The team is currently working on a dual-fuel concept that uses methanol and diesel, which will serve as a bridging technology until green methanol becomes widely available.
