Parker Hannifin, a global leader in motion and control technologies, has announced its participation in the Integrated Hydrogen-Argon Power Cycle (iHAPC) project. This collaborative research initiative aims to develop cleaner and more energy-efficient engine technologies. The project is led by the University of Vaasa in Finland and supported by Wärtsilä under its WISE (Wide and Intelligent Sustainable Energy) program.
The iHAPC project focuses on creating and testing a prototype engine that uses hydrogen and argon to significantly improve efficiency. The initiative brings together Finnish research institutions, technical experts, and industry partners, including Wärtsilä Finland Oy, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the University of Oulu, Vahterus Oy, Vaisala Oyj, and TotalEnergies.
Parker Hannifin Manufacturing Finland Oy, based in Urjala, is playing a critical role in the project. The company is designing an advanced filtration system to enable the closed-loop reuse of argon, a key component of the hydrogen-argon power cycle. After combustion, argon is recaptured, and Parker’s system removes residual water and other contaminants, ensuring the argon remains clean for reuse.
Mikko Merikoski, a senior technology engineer at Parker’s Finnish facility, stated, “We are proud to contribute our engineering expertise to innovations that drive cleaner and more sustainable technologies. The hydrogen-argon power cycle represents a major step forward in improving the efficiency of hydrogen power generation.”
The iHAPC project, which began in January, replaces traditional air intake with a mixture of argon and oxygen during combustion. Argon’s superior heat capacity ratio allows the engine to produce the same power output with significantly less fuel, potentially increasing combustion engine efficiency by up to 20%.
In this closed-loop process, hydrogen, oxygen, and argon are used as inputs, with water and recycled argon as the only by-products. Most of the water is removed using a condenser built by Vahterus Oy, while Parker’s filtration technology eliminates any remaining moisture and impurities.
Balancing engines are essential for stabilizing power supply alongside intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar. While today’s most efficient engines run on gas, they are increasingly transitioning to sustainable fuels such as hydrogen. By 2030, sustainable fuel production is expected to reach 38 million tonnes, surpassing current demand by one-third and accelerating the shift toward renewable energy systems.
Rasmus Teir, director of sustainability and future plant concepts at Wärtsilä Energy, commented, “We have the technologies needed to achieve a 100% renewable energy future. Our goal is to continually innovate solutions that improve both affordability and sustainability. The argon power cycle is a significant technological breakthrough with the potential to positively impact these goals.”
Project leader Professor Maciej Mikulski from the University of Vaasa added, “The argon power cycle allows for the complete valorization of ‘green’ hydrogen with exceptional power generation efficiency. This could represent a major breakthrough for the energy sector. The University of Vaasa is dedicated to advancing innovative energy solutions with a strong focus on sustainability. Our expertise in fuel analytics, modeling, simulation, powertrain testing, and control development positions us well to lead this project.”
The iHAPC project highlights the growing importance of collaboration between industry and academia in driving sustainable energy innovations. With Parker Hannifin’s advanced filtration technology and the expertise of its partners, the initiative aims to pave the way for a cleaner and more efficient energy future.
