The project is driven by an interdisciplinary consortium comprising eleven European entities from six countries. Each partner brings specialized expertise to ensure the successful development and integration of the MECS:
- Energy conversion systems: LUT University (Finland) leads the project, focusing on the design and optimization of the overall energy conversion framework, which involves the system design and operational structure that enables the conversion of sustainable fuels into usable energy for maritime applications.
- Turbomachinery: Politecnico di Milano (Italy) contributes its extensive expertise in turbomachinery design and analysis, crucial for the development of gas turbine components.
- New fuels and combustion: The German Aerospace Center (DLR) specializes in alternative fuels and combustion technologies, ensuring the system is compatible, reliable, and safe for use with sustainable energy sources.
- Bearing systems: The Technical University of Denmark (DTU), in close collaboration with LUT University, works on integrating low-friction active magnetic bearings (AMBs) to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the gas turbine system operation onboard ships in various maritime conditions.
- Gas turbines: Aurelia Turbines (Finland) brings its expertise in gas turbine technology innovation, focusing on the development of a two-shaft gas turbine with a bottoming cycle for enhanced performance.
- Heat recovery: Alfa Laval (Finland) is responsible for integrating waste heat recovery systems to maximize energy efficiency.
- Digital Twin technology: The University of Vigo (Spain) is developing a digital twin model of the energy conversion system, enabling simulations and performance validation under various operational conditions.
- Maritime expertise: Chantiers de l’Atlantique (France), a leading shipyard, and RINA Services (Italy), a maritime classification society, provide expert shipping innovation knowledge and in-depth sector expertise, ensuring the MECS meets regulatory requirements and can be integrated across a variety of ship types.
- Maritime consultancy: RINA Consulting (Italy) assesses the system’s long-term viability, maintenance needs, costs, and sustainability, identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with the new technology.
- Communication and dissemination: Zabala Innovation (Spain) leads communication and dissemination efforts, ensuring the project reaches key stakeholders and maximizes its impact.