Test system for the use of climate-neutral energy carriers in hybrid energy systems for ships

• Subject Area: Fluid Mechanics, Technical Thermodynamics and Thermal Energy Engineering
• Term: Funded in 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 565004781

The test system serves the research for the emission- and efficiency-optimized use of climate-neutral energy sources in hybrid propulsion or energy systems for ships and mobile machinery. The research activities aim to prepare and accelerate the introduction of climate-neutral and emission-minimized (zero-impact) drives for off-road applications and mobile machinery (agricultural machinery, construction machinery, mining vehicles), rail vehicles and inland waterway vessels that cannot be directly electrified. In the test system, energy converters are to be installed both as individual components and, above all, as a complete system to analyse their stationary and dynamic operation under realistic operation conditions with climate-neutral and emission-reducing energy sources. In the test system, batteries, fuel cells and engines can be tested not only individually but also in parallel (coupled) and the interactions can be reproduced, particularly during load changes. The focus of current and planned research projects is on the use of sustainable e-fuels for the areas of application mentioned above. These are in particular hydrogen, methanol, ammonia, synthetic methane, but also biomass-based fuels, especially in the maritime sector. To this end, the LKV is already working on a wide range of research projects in a challenging experimental environment. The test system consists of the load unit for the motors to be tested (combination of electric motor and full inverter) and the electrical load unit (digitally controlled inverter) for operating electrical energy converters or storage systems. These can be fuel cell systems (FCS), battery systems or combinations of battery and FCS. The two load systems for motors and electrical energy converters are operated and controlled by a higher-level common test bench automation system. This allows highly dynamic test cycles to be carried out reproducibly for the individual systems and for combined overall systems. The test bench automation system also records the measured values. Existing measurement systems (e.g. for exhaust gas analysis) can be integrated into the automation system via suitable standard interfaces. To ensure safe test bench operation, the test system described is supplemented by a dedicated safety system The performance class of the large research device is determined by the areas of application mentioned with a load system for motors up to 550 kW and 3,000 Nm and an electrical direct current load system up to 250 kW at 800V.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Testsystem für Einsatz klimaneutraler Energieträger in hybriden Energiewandlungssystemen für Schiffe
• Instrumentation Group: 2860 Motoren- und Getriebeprüfstände, Verdichterprüfstände
• Applicant Institution: Universität Rostock
• Leader: Professor Dr.-Ing. Bert Buchholz