Partners and SAB

The Leibniz Association connects 95 independent research institutions dedicated to bridging the gap between fundamental science and applied research and development. INP - Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology e.V. is the largest non-academic research institute in Europe within the field of low temperature plasma.

The INP Materials and Surfaces Program conducts research and development of nanostructured materials and thin layers produced by plasma-assisted techniques both at low and atmospheric pressure. At the core of the program, physical and chemical vapour deposition (PVD and CVD) processes are developed for synthesis of high performance thin layers, for instance composed of complex metal alloys and ceramics, multi-layer systems and hybrid materials of metals, ceramics, polymers and carbon. Recent developments in the area of advanced materials for energy storage and conversion are headed by the research group Materials for Energy Technologies focusses on development of innovative synthesis pathways in plasma-processing, enabling breakthrough of cost-efficient production and long-term stable high performance fuel cells, electrolyzers and batteries.

In collaboration with our partners, electrochemical active layers such as electrolytes, electrodes and catalysts are synthesised by means of precisely controlled processes as well as corrosion protection and hydrogen barriers on steel and bipolar plate components. Development of processes and optimisation of properties are closely accompanied by screening-type and in-depth structural, crystallographic and electrochemical characterisation by means of a broad portfolio of analytical methods.

Role in HiPowAR

INP will carry out a screening of MIEC materials and selection of suitable candidates for plasma-enhanced deposition of complex metal oxide thin layer, in collaboration with IKTS. INP will then apply and develop a combined approach of physical vapour deposition and selective laser annealing as a new enabling platform for transformative research and development of high performance thin layer MIEC electrolytes, with precisely tuned compositions and optimised crystallographic and electrical properties. INP will also carry out routine structural characterization and performance tests of thin layer membrane on porous support as part of process parameter optimization as well as post-mortem investigations into degradation under operating conditions.

As the coordinator, INP will be in charge of the project management as well as the dissemination/exploitation and communication work package. INP has coordinated and managed large-scale national and international projects and coordinated PlasmaShape (FP7, no. 316216). INP will support the project in its aim to exploit its research results to technologies for the use in industry. To support this, a patent manager serves all issues regarding intellectual property and inventions (patents, utility models, trademarks) in close cooperation with external patent law offices. In the area of public relations INP is experienced in distributing press releases, communicating with journalists, organizing events and designing INPs print and online contents, for instance promotional material, the project website, and social media channels.

The hydrogen and fuel cell center "Zentrum für BrennstoffzellenTechnik" (ZBT GmbH) founded in 2001 is supporting industry to speed up the market introduction of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies.

ZBT employees an interdisciplinary team of almost 100 qualified personnel, most having many years of experience in the field of research and development. Their extensive expertise and the outstanding infrastructure are incorporated in numerous co-operative ventures with industrial companies and research partners. Projects and services of ZBT cover a wide range from the development of reformers, fuel cell stacks and completely serviceable systems, the testing of production and manufacturing technologies for cell components and whole fuel cell stacks through to the testing of market-based developments with a view to licensing.

Among other things ZBT worked in the project “Toplaterne”, which was a sub venture of the lighthouse project e4ships (funded by Federal Republic of Germany), and was also involved in the ”E-Binnenschiff” project, funded by North Rhine Westphalia. In that frame ZBT developed several Excel based tools for calculation of specific fuel emissions, life cycle assessment and efficiencies of energy chains for maritime and inland ship applications.
ZBT is a non profit limited company (GmbH), CEO is Prof. Dr. Angelika Heinzel. Share holder is the University Duisburg-Essen.

Role in HiPowAR

The main task of ZBT is to assess the energy efficiency, the environmental impacts and the competitiveness of the HiPowAR system. A cost estimation will be first performed using the results of the simulation, the cost estimation of all the HiPowAR devices and the estimation of lifetime and recycling costs of each element.

The ZBT is also responsible for the electricity generation costs calculation for the HiPowAR system and for the other conventional systems working either with natural gas or with ammonia. ZBT will also study the environmental and economic impact of HiPowAR in Europa by considering several possible applications such as: decentralized energy supply, marine, railway and aviation, the environmental impact will be evaluated in terms of emission reduction (PM, Nox, CO2) and in term of reduction of the production of fossil fuels. A roadmap of the business development of the HiPowAR systems will be established by ZBT.

Additionally, ZBT will contribute to the modelling and simulation work for the baseline assessment of power plant concepts and benchmark definition and also for the development of optimized configurations.

Politecnico di Milano (POLIMI) is a scientific-technological university which trains engineers, architects and industrial designers. It is the largest technical university in Italy, focused on the quality and innovation of teaching and research, developing a fruitful relationship with business and productive world by means of experimental research and technological transfer.

The Politecnico is consistently in the top 10 European universities, according to QS Ranking, in 7 research areas spanning from  Architecture & Built Environment to Computer Science & Information Systems; Civil & Structural Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Electronic Engineering; Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering. Research constitutes a parallel path to that formed by cooperation and alliances with the industrial system, in many cases favored by Fondazione Politecnico and by consortiums to which Politecnico belongs, allowing the university to follow the vocation of the territories in which it operates and to be a stimulus for their development.  

Politecnico takes part in several international research and training projects collaborating with a world network of leading technical universities and research centers. The Department of Energy, in particular, studies disciplines and technologies relating to the production, conversion, transport and use of energy, in terms of a complete social and environmental sustainability.

Role in HiPowAR

POLIMI role is mainly related to devloping the modelling, simulation and optimization of the HiPowAR system layout, in view of possible application in stationary and mobile uses and the assessment of system energy efficiency. The activity involves the development and application of specific simulation tools for the system key components (e.g. MIEC, oxidation chamber – validated based on experimental results for the MIEC and from the test rig for internal pressurized NH3 combustion -, expander, condenser and separators, air feeding system, auxiliaries) and for the plant layout, which is simulated at full and part-load, in view of efficiency and cost optimization.

POLIMI will then develop a set of optimized configurations of the power unit in view of its implementation for full scale units, focusing both on stationary applications (e.g. MW-scale or above) as well as on mobile applications (100 kW-scale and 400 kW-scale), and define the economic framework for the HiPowar plant, with a preliminary estimation of its economic performance indicators (including total plant specific cost, cost of electricity generation).

Fraunhofer is Europe’s largest application-oriented research organization with 74 institutes and more than 28,000 scientists and engineers. The Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems located in Dresden and Hermsdorf covers the complete field of advanced ceramics.

Fraunhofer IKTS develops concepts for product and process innovations in numerous trendsetting industry sectors. The section Environmental and Process Engineering represents one of the biggest European research groups in the field of ceramic membranes. Ceramic membranes, filters, adsorbents and catalysts from Fraunhofer IKTS play an integral role in gas processing and water treatment processes. The Fraunhofer IKTS participates mainly with its department HTSC (High-Temperature Separation and Catalysis) dealing typically with development of MIEC (Mixed Ionic Electronic Condcutors) membranes for O₂ and H₂ separation, oxygen storage materials (OSM) and mixed oxide catalysts for heterogeneous catalysis.

HTSC works along the whole chain from powder synthesis along ceramic shaping, characterization and simulation up to building up of demonstration plants. Presently, department HTSC deals especially with application of MIEC membrane plants for energy saving and CO₂ capture in combustion processes. As a result of these activities, pressurized combustion of carbon-free fuels in a membrane reactor was identified as promising route for more efficient power production.

Role in HiPowAR

Within HiPowAR, Fraunhofer IKTS is responsible for the development of the concept of a membrane reactor suited for a combustion of ammonia under high pressure directly at an O₂ delivering ceramic membrane. Furthermore, Fraunhofer IKTS will also develop and manufacture the MIEC (Mixed Ionic Electronic Conductor) membranes needed for the membrane reactor. Latter one will be equipped with at least 1000 MIEC membrane tubes. Besides, the whole test rig consisting of the membrane reactor, the fuel pump, heat exchanger, the recirulation circle and the gas expander will be erected at Fraunhofer IKTS by partner PBS Brno. Accordingly, testing will be also conducted for different membranes by the employees of IKTS.

Maston Group is at the forefront of developing and commercializing advanced renewable energy solutions, including solar-powered carbon capture, eFuel production, bioenergy, and energy storage technologies. Within Maston Group AB, the Maston Renewable Energy Laboratory (MREL) plays a crucial role as a product design and experimental prototype testing facility. MREL is equipped with cutting-edge prototyping manufacturing technologies and test rigs, enabling the rigorous evaluation and development of novel renewable energy technologies.

Maston Group’s commitment to innovation is demonstrated through its active participation in major European Union projects, such as the HEU project HYCORE (GA no. 101096789). By integrating advanced research with practical applications, Maston Group strives to push the boundaries of what is possible in the renewable energy sector, making significant contributions to the transition towards a sustainable, carbon-free future.

Role in HiPowAR

Maston Group plays a pivotal role in the HiPowAR project, focusing on the research and development of critical system components necessary for constructing an advanced membrane reactor as part of Work Package 2 (WP2). Maston Group's expertise in system design and prototyping will be instrumental in ensuring the successful integration and functionality of the membrane reactor, especially during on-site testing at Fraunhofer.

In addition to supporting the technical development of the reactor, Maston Group will oversee the implementation of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to enhance system functionality. The company will also contribute to system simulation efforts under Work Package 5 (WP5) by providing essential data from the steam generator, which is critical for evaluating the overall system performance. Furthermore, Maston Group will actively engage in dissemination activities, sharing project outcomes with potential end-users to drive adoption and ensure the project's long-term impact.

RANOTOR AB is founded by the former project leader of SAABS steam engine for vehicles. Reciprocating piston engine is a better type of expander than steam turbine when the power output is below 1000 kW. The project was ceased when the catalytic converter emerged but there has been an interest for the technology on and off for both stationary as well as mobile application.

Several project together with industry and universities has been carried out and the last years, RANOTOR has got costumers that want modern steam engines for WHR (Waste Heat Recovery) and there is strong interest for the steam engine to exploit different types of unrefined and cheap biofuel but also other fuel as hydrogen, hydrogen peroxide, iron powder and Concentrating Solar Power.

Role in HiPowAR

Mr Platell is supervising RANOTOR companie‘s work in HiPowAr that involves to study how small-scale steam power embodied as a modern high tech steam engine will fit into the HiPowAr concept.  Furthermore , RANOTOR’s compact steam generator concept might also offer attractive performance in HiPowAR concept.

Univ. - Prof. Dr.-Ing. Heinz Peter Berg

Heinz Peter Berg is a full university professor at BTU since 1997. For the past 30 years, he has held various management positions in the R&D departments of companies and institutes. He started his professional career in 1982 as a scientist at the TU-Darmstadt. After graduating as a Dr.-Ing., he was a member of the founding team of BMW Rolls-Royce. There he headed various research and development departments from 1991. In the period 1997-2005 he was vice president of the Brandenburg Research and Development Society and the Engineering Cooperation Center. From 2005 until today he is founder and shareholder of 6 innovative technology companies.

Since 1996 he has been a full professor and chair holder, member of various technology organizations, expert and consultant. His main research and teaching interests are in the fields of applied thermodynamics, future-oriented drive systems and energy converters. His publication list includes more than 70 publications and book contributions. In addition to R&D, he works on the realization of innovative future technologies.

Christian Kunkel

Area of expertise: Combustion processes for 4-stroke internal combustion engines and CO2-neutral solutions.

Christian heads the "Combustion Development for Four-Stroke Engines" department at MAN Energy Solutions in Augsburg. In this role, his responsibilities include future CO2-neutral combustion concepts for four-stroke engines and related fuels. On the MAN side, he is responsible for the BMWi-funded "AmmoniaMot" project, which aims to use ammonia as a carbon-free fuel in combustion engines. He is also jointly responsible for the "Functional Competence Center Combustion" within the MAN Group and represents MAN in the FVV (Forschungsvereinigung Verbrennungskraftmaschinen e.V.). After completing his engineering studies at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Christian spent more than seven years in advance development at MTU Friedrichshafen (Rolls-Royce Power Systems) before joining MAN Energy Solutions in Augsburg.

Emanuel G. Pesatori

Emanuel graduated with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Politecnico di Milano in 1996.
After serving as an officer in the Italian Naval Corp of Engineers, he joined ANSALDO ENERGIA in 1999 as a thermodynamic design engineer for steam turbines. Having also gained experience in compressor design, he started his first experience as R&D engineer, with particular interest first in the aerodynamic design of steam turbine blade profiles. Later in the role of team coordinator, his interest focused on the entire LP blade design after the company transferred to Franco Tosi Meccanica. In the role of R&D department manager, his activities also shifted to drive components and in the design of new steam turbine machine frames.

He headed the water turbine design department at Franco Tosi Meccanica for many years before returning first to R&D and later to the product development department as head of the USC steam turbine development project. He then headed the steam and hydro engineering departments as Head of Engineering of Franco Tosi Meccanica. In his various positions, he had the opportunity to develop expertise in the coordination of various field test campaigns and research projects. In the different roles he covered, starting from the aero-thermodynamic field, he developed interest and expertise in the structural field of turbomachinery.  After joining Exergy spa in 2016 as New Technologies and R&D Coordinator, he rejoined Franco Tosi Meccanica in July 2019 as Head of Product Development. During his career, he has authored or co-authored many scientific publications, mainly in the field of aerodynamics, structural dynamic behaviour of rotor and blades, and sCO2 turbomachinery design and integration with advanced power circuits.

Since 2011, his industrial research activities have focused on advanced machines for innovative thermal cycles such as sCO2 for CSP, biomass and H2 cycle-based applications, together with energy storage technologies.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Udo Hellwig

Udo Hellwig has headed ERK Eckrohrkessel GmbH in Berlin since 1997, where he has expanded the research and development area to include topics such as "Biogenic fuel production based on microalgae" and "Development of software tools for computational fluid dynamics in the field of energy and process engineering". Long-term family ownership brought additional stability and reliability to the company. The heart of Hellwig's business is thermal engineering, with over 6100 boiler installations and hundreds of engineering contracts.

After graduating in 1973 with a degree in process engineering and in 1978 with a degree in energy process engineering, he devoted himself as a research assistant at the Technical University of Berlin, to a project on coal refining. Subsequently, he was appointed university lecturer for mechanical process engineering at the TFH Berlin in 1989.