The NAUTILUS project is dedicated to designing and validating an innovative propulsion system for large passenger ships, aiming to achieve significant emission reductions.At the core of this system is the novel Genset concept, which integrates a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system with a battery. The SOFC is powered by LNG and potentially by diverse alternative fuels.
To test and validate this innovative concept, the NAUTILUS project team is finalizing the on-site demonstrator at the DLR premises in Stuttgart. The modular functional demonstrator consists of two main components: the SOFC system provided by SolydEra, which was delivered to the site in July 2024. More
Figure 1: SOFC system
The second one is the battery and controls container from MAN Energy Solutions arrived in Stuttgart at the end of August 2024. This container contains not only the battery but also an Energy Management Unit provided by RWTH Aachen University. All components are electrically connected to power the local grid at DLR Stuttgart. More
Figure 2: Battery and controls container
Once fully assembled, the demonstrator will be operated to test power distribution between the SOFC (60 kW) and the battery (20 kW) under various cruise ship load profiles. During the testing phase, the team will refine strategies for load distribution and connection, optimizing the
performance of the hybrid system under different operational conditions. The demonstrator will be functional for three months under different load scenarios.
In September, the installation of the emission measurement tent and waterproof exhaust extraction box will be completed by the team of Lund University.
Emission measurements are scheduled for October, during both static and dynamic tests, as well as during the testing of real cruise ship profiles. These measurements will provide valuable data for characterizing the particle and gas emissions produced by the Genset powered by LNG. The results will be crucial for assessing the emission reduction potential of the NAUTILUS Genset system for the shipping industry.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 861647.
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NAUTILUS is a short for Nautical Integrated Hybrid Energy System for Long-haul Cruise Ships.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 861647.