Advanced POwer conversion technologies based on onboard ammonia cracking through novel membrane reactors (APOLO)
Research Project, 2024
– 2027
Through a holistic approach, APOLO aims to tackle the challenges of power conversion from ammonia and develop an efficient and flexible ammonia cracking technology. This technology will be coupled with fuel cells and engines to achieve complete decarbonization of the maritime sector.
As the main objective of the call is to demonstrate scalability beyond 3MW, the consortium will focus on showcasing the following demonstration units:
i) A 125kW power conversion system that utilizes an ammonia cracker coupled with a PEM fuel cell system, achieving an overall system efficiency of 51% to 54%. The ammonia cracker will be customized to work with different pressure conditions and efficiency levels of PEM fuel cells. A comparison of efficiency levels will be conducted to evaluate the flexibility of the cracking system for all types of PEM fuel cells.
ii) A 125kW partial ammonia cracker coupled with a 4-stroke engine, exhibiting an overall system efficiency above 45%
APOLO is dedicated to minimizing the ecological footprint of transportation and energy, focusing on the maritime sector. To achieve this, we're actively developing innovative power conversion technologies such as cracker, fuel cell, and engine, and utilizing life cycle assessment (LCA) at various stages of product development.
The technologies developed in APOLO are capable of targeting the first 30,000 ships in the market. Initially, the focus will be on vessels with 1 to 10 MW propulsion, with a significant number of them being around 3 MW in the next decade, as these are the first vessels relevant for ammonia-powered solutions.
Participants
Selma Brynolf (contact)
Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Maritime Studies
Fayas Malik Kanchiralla
Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Maritime Studies
Collaborations
1 CUBE BV
Heeze, Netherlands
ASTILLEROS DE SANTANDER SA
Astillero, Spain
CORVUS NORWAY AS
Nesttun, Norway
Eindhoven University of Technology
Eindhoven, Netherlands
FERTIBERIA CORPORATE SL
Madrid, Spain
HYDROGEN ONSITE SL
Loiu, Spain
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling
Cleveland, USA
Johnson Matthey
London, United Kingdom
Large Engines Competence Centre (LEC)
Graz, Austria
Tecnalia
Derio, Spain
Funding
European Commission (EC)
Project ID: EC/HE/101138466
Funding Chalmers participation during 2024–2027
Related Areas of Advance and Infrastructure
Sustainable development
Driving Forces
Transport
Areas of Advance
Energy
Areas of Advance