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

More information

Latest update

1/29/2024