The University of Vaasa (UVA) is a multidisciplinary and internationally oriented higher education institution, uniquely combining expertise in the energy transition, business renewal, and the leadership of societal transformation.
In the H4PERION project, the University of Vaasa contributes to accelerating the decarbonisation of large oceangoing vessels through two complementary roles. It coordinates the project through its research and innovation platform, Vaasa Energy Business Innovation Centre (VEBIC), and leads research on innovative engine combustion concepts and controls through its Efficient Powertrain Solutions (EPS) research group.
Coordinating the project through VEBIC
VEBIC is a multidisciplinary research and innovation platform that connects academia, industry, and society to accelerate the transition towards sustainable energy solutions and smart technologies. By bringing together research expertise, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, and close collaboration with industry, VEBIC addresses the technical, economic, and societal challenges of the energy transition.
As the coordinating platform for H4PERION, VEBIC facilitates collaboration between project partners and supports the implementation of research, development, and innovation activities.
Advancing clean and efficient engine technologies through EPS
The University of Vaasa’s technical contribution to H4PERION is carried out by the EPS research group in the School of Technology and Innovations. The group works on clean propulsion technologies, advanced combustion concepts, and emission reduction strategies. Their goal is to maximise overall powertrain energy efficiency and develop integrated powertrain control solutions.
The group’s expertise spans the entire propulsion development process from fuel analytics, modelling and simulation to powertrain testing and control development. Experimental research is implemented in large-bore internal combustion engines. EPS also collaborates closely with major marine and off-road engine manufacturers, helping connect research with the needs of industry.
Research and development within H4PERION
Within H4PERION, EPS researchers lead the development of high-efficiency engine combustion concepts and controls, while also contributing to the development and testing of exhaust aftertreatment solutions.
The University’s engine laboratories, equipped with several engine test benches, are used to investigate methane-hydrogen fuel blends in innovative combustion concepts. These experiments are supported by numerical simulations using engine models coupled with the University of Vaasa Advanced Thermochemical multi-Zone (UVATZ) combustion model. Through this work, the University supports H4PERION’s development of more sustainable engine technologies for large oceangoing vessels.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 101270728.
