Suomalainen has made valuable contributions to the project through her thesis titled “Optimization of recuperator dimensions and study of favourable fin and tube geometry”. Her work focuses on designing and optimizing a crucial component in the project’s energy conversion system: the recuperator.
The role of the recuperator in sustainable gas turbine energy system
The recuperator, whose design was led by Suomalainen, is an integral part of a gas turbine system, intended to recover waste heat from the turbine. This heat recovery technology is added downstream of the compressor to preheat compressed input air before it enters the combustion chamber. By harnessing waste heat, the recuperator significantly enhances the efficiency of the gas turbine system, leading to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.
Suomalainen’s work involved optimizing the dimensions and configuration for the recuperator, which was designed as a fin and tube heat exchanger. She considered five different fin and tube geometry options, evaluating their performance based on heat transfer effectiveness, pressure drops, and compactness. After thorough calculations and analysis, the optimal design was identified: smooth continuous fins and circular tubes in a staggered arrangement. This design strikes an ideal balance between heat transfer effectiveness and cost efficiency, aligning with the MARPOWER project’s requirements for the recuperator’s performance.
A collaborative effort
Suomalainen credits her successful thesis completion to the collaborative effort of her colleagues at Alfa Laval and the MARPOWER project team. While the work was primarily independent, her collaboration with experienced engineers and researchers played a crucial role in ensuring that the design met its technical goals.
“The successful completion of my thesis and work would not have been possible without the support of my competent colleagues at Alfa Laval in Rauma, Finland“, Suomalainen shared. “While I was largely responsible for the design and optimization of the recuperator, the expertise and teamwork of everyone involved made a significant impact on the success of the project”.
Suomalainen’s thesis also ties into the EU’s overarching goals for decarbonizing shipping. The MARPOWER project aims to replace conventional fuels with sustainable alternatives such as hydrogen, renewable methane, methanol, and ammonia. By examining the necessary modifications to gas turbines for these fuels and analysing their combustion properties, Suomalainen’s work directly contributes to the development of cleaner, more sustainable energy technologies for maritime transportation.
A passion for renewable energy
Suomalainen’s journey in energy technology began at LUT University in 2019, where she pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Energy Technology, focusing on thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in 2022, Suomalainen continued her studies with a Master’s program, initially in Nuclear Engineering. However, her passion for renewable energy systems led her to shift her focus to Sustainable Energy Systems. Her Master’s studies have been centred on renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage, and energy markets—key components of the sustainable future she is helping to shape.
Currently, Suomalainen is working at Alfa Laval as a Sales Application Engineer, where she continues to apply her expertise to design and optimize waste heat recovery systems for industrial applications. Her experience working on the MARPOWER project has deepened her understanding of energy systems and sustainability, positioning her as an emerging leader in the field of energy technology.
Looking forward: a cleaner future for the maritime industry
Suomalainen’s work on the MARPOWER project represents a significant step toward achieving the decarbonization goals of the maritime industry. As the project moves forward, she remains excited about continuing her contributions toward cleaner and more efficient energy systems in shipping.
“I feel privileged to be part of such an important project, contributing to increased sustainability and carbon neutrality in maritime transportation”, Suomalainen stated. “The work does not end here, and I look forward to further enhancing my expertise and continuing my efforts for a cleaner future in the marine sector”.
For those interested in reading Suomalainen’s thesis in detail, it is available on the LUT University website: Optimization of recuperator dimensions and study of favourable fin and tube geometry.