Research explores hydrogen-argon power cycle

Wärtsilä announced it is participating in a new research project that will focus on the use of argon – a non-toxic gas present in the atmosphere – to increase efficiency of balancing engines utilizing a closed loop combustion cycle. The project is part of the WISE (Wide and Intelligent Sustainable Energy) program, led by Wärtsilä and funded by Business Finland, the official government agency for trade, investment promotion and innovation funding.

The three-year co-innovation project is focused on scaling up the Argon Power Cycle to medium-speed engines with full argon recovery. (Photo: Wärtsilä)

The three-year co-innovation project is focused on scaling up the Argon Power Cycle to medium-speed engines with full argon recovery. It is being run by the Integrated Hydrogen-Argon Power Cycle (iHAPC) consortium, led by the University of Vaasa in partnership with Business Finland and a network of partners, including the University of Oulu, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Parker Hannifin Manufacturing Finland Oy, Vahterus Oy, Vaisala Oyj and TotalEnergies.

In the Argon Power Cycle, air that is normally used to combust the fuel in an internal combustion engine is now replaced by argon and oxygen. Argon is said to enable considerably higher thermodynamic efficiency due to its properties.

When using hydrogen, oxygen and argon as input, the only product from the process is water and the inert argon, which is recycled from exhaust to inlet to form a closed loop combustion cycle. Hydrogen and oxygen, the only inputs in the integrated Hydrogen Argon Power Cycle, are both products of electrolysis, increasing the overall efficiency of the power-to-hydrogen-to-power process, Wärtsilä noted.

“We have the technologies needed to deliver a 100% renewable energy future. And our ambition must be to continuously innovate solutions that further improve affordability and sustainability,” said Rasmus Teir, director of Sustainability & Future Plant Concepts at Wärtsilä Energy. “The argon power cycle is an innovative technology that has the potential to impact these factors positively.”

“The argon power cycle enables full valorization of green hydrogen with unparalleled power generation efficiency. I see this as a potential breakthrough for the energy sector,” said Professor Maciej Mikulski from the University of Vaasa.

He noted that the University of Vaasa’s strong focus on sustainability plays a role in advancing such innovative energy solutions.

“With our expertise in fuel analytics, modeling and simulation, powertrain testing and control development,” Mikulski continued, “we are well-equipped and excited to lead this project.”