In the state-of-the-art engine laboratory, Wärtsilä machines are started to be tested with new fuel

The engine laboratory of the University of Vaasa started testing a new fuel, biomethane. With the new research, we want to promote the goals of the green transition in maritime transport in particular.

Delivers fuel to the Energy Lab engine laboratory Brings upwhich produces infrastructure solutions for industry and real estate.

The engine laboratory’s gas fuel system was commissioned on 24 October. The research focuses on, among other things, renewable fuels, the development of electrical systems for engines and power plants, and the reduction of waste energy and energy production emissions.

The engine laboratory of the University of Vaasa has a medium-speed Wärtsilä 4L20 power plant and marine engine. It is burdened by the technology company ABB:n with a generator that produces electricity for Vaasa’s electricity grid.

The test use of biomethane is a new addition to the operation of the engine laboratory. Nevel delivers biomethane in containers that are connected to the university’s network.

“We are now the first to use biogas in a Wärtsilä engine as part of the Flexible Clean Propulsion Technologies project,” says the University of Vaasa laboratory manager Sonja Heikkilä.

The engine is controlled with a model-based Speedgoat control system. Thanks to ABB’s frequency converter, the motor can be driven at different rotation speeds, says the university on its website. The exhaust pipe system is built in such a way that various exhaust gas purifiers can be connected to it.

The engine laboratory’s measuring equipment is comprehensive. In addition to the engine’s basic performance values, the equipment can be used to analyze fuel combustion, measure several gaseous emissions and determine both the number and mass of particle emissions. The university also has modeling and simulation programs for studying the engine and the energy production line.

“The needs of the engine laboratory’s research activities change and develop rapidly. At the heart of the research are emissions reductions and the goal of carbon neutrality as part of the energy breakthrough,” says the announcement. Mika Grundströmvice rector of research at the University of Vaasa.