Research project NormAKraft assesses the state of research
Test bench for examining the material compatibility of engine components with e-fuels
The development of synthetic fuels from renewable sources, which as so-called e-fuels could make an important contribution to climate protection and lower pollutant emissions, has already reached a high level of technical maturity. Fuels that are compatible with existing and current engine technology and comply with the applicable fuel standards have the best chance of being launched on the market in the near future. This applies in particular to Fischer-Tropsch diesel, methanol-to-gasoline products (as a substitute for gasoline) and synthetic paraffinic kerosene, as well as the gases hydrogen and methane.
This is one of the results of the research project “NormAKraft – Standard conformity of alternative fuels”, in which TEC4FUELS GmbH and OWI Science for Fuels gGmbH were also involved, among other partners. In the project, the two companies carried out investigations into the material compatibility, the physico-chemical properties and the compliance of the e-fuels with standards.
Research is also being carried out into e-fuels such as methanol, dimethyl ether, oxymethylene ether, dimethyl carbonate and methyl formate. In addition to an almost balanced CO2 balance, they can reduce emissions of pollutants such as soot, nitrogen oxides and unburned hydrocarbons to almost zero in some cases thanks to their higher oxygen content. However, their physico-chemical properties sometimes differ significantly from those of conventional fuels, so that on the one hand they do not comply with the applicable fuel standards and on the other hand technical modifications to the engine technology are required for their use.
E-fuels can be used, for example, in areas that are difficult to electrify, such as aviation (paraffinic kerosene is considered the only alternative on long-haul flights), on long routes in the heavy commercial vehicle sector, in heavy off-road vehicles and machines, and in passenger cars for a transitional period to the electrification of all vehicles. In shipping, mainly methanol and ammonia are being discussed as e-fuels.
Regulatory framework conditions are slowing down e-fuels
However, there are still a few hurdles between the technical maturity of new e-fuels and their availability for all consumers. In addition to standardization, fuels must also comply with a number of other European and country-specific directives and regulations. Above all, the European REACH regulation, the renewable energy directive, the fuel quality directive and, in Germany, the federal emission control law with the individual federal emission control ordinances should be mentioned here. There are currently a number of regulations that make it difficult or even prevent investments in the construction of large-scale production plants and the use of synthetic fuels. Without a secure legal framework, it is not possible for investors to set up viable business models and thus not to launch alternative, climate-friendly fuels on a large scale.
The project “NormAKraft – Standard conformity of alternative fuels” provides valuable insights into the technical boundary conditions. It was a sub-project of the accompanying research for the “Energy Transition in Transport” (BEniVer) funding initiative of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection and was coordinated by DECHEMA eV, Society for Chemical Technology and Biotechnology eV.
A final report with fact sheets on the alternative synthetic fuels examined is available on the DECHEMA website at
Tec4Fuels is a competence center for conventional and alternative combustibles, fuels, fuels and lubricants (fuels) and their application in existing and new technologies. The company renders services in the research and development of technical components and products, systems and energy carriers as well as their application in the energy market for fuels. In addition to test procedures and fuel checks, Tec4Fuels also offers consulting and other services related to research and development. This also includes the testing and certification, the placement as well as the manufacture and sale of the products.
TEC4FUELS supports its customers in the following areas:
– Testing and verification procedures
Development of special hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) systems and implementation of test procedures for quality assurance of technical components as well as conventional and alternative combustibles, fuels, fuels and lubricants
– Fuel check for emergency power systems
Monitoring the quality of fuel reserves in backup power systems (emergency power generators) to maintain availability and operational safety
– Technical consulting
Advice on fundamental issues of innovation management, from preliminary, concept and series development to after-sales
Contact
TEC4FUELS GmbH
Michael Ehring
Kaiserstrasse 100
52134 Herzogenrath
02407/5583015