Shipping accounts for about 80 percent of global freight traffic, but at the same time is responsible for two to three percent of globalCO2 emissions. As a supplier of injection systems for marine engines , Bosch is working with partners to develop technologies that enable the use of alternative fuels in ships. In doing so, the company aims to contribute to achieving the climate goals of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which call for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
New Injector for Alternative Fuels
The injector for alternative fuels. © Robert Bosch GmbH
One of Bosch's latest developments is a new injector for alternative fuels. Until now, the company's fuel injection systems have mostly been designed to run on diesel or diesel-based fuels. The new injector, however, can be used with hydrogen, methanol, ethanol, and ammonia , among other fuels.
Dr. Stefan Schenk is responsible for the “Large Engines” product division within Bosch’s “Power Solutions” business unit. Schenk explained that development efforts are now focused on injection and blow-in components for liquid and gaseous alternative fuels.
Injector designed for various applications
The injector's design can be customized to suit the specific application. It can be used for both intake manifold injection and low-pressure direct injection. It is currently being tested by Asian customers.
Current development challenges related to methanol use include optimizing combustion processes, ensuring reliable cold starts, and addressing material compatibility and wear caused by changes in lubricity. Without appropriate adaptations, existing products are not suitable for use with methanol or ammonia. Bosch offers special injection valves for the gaseous injection of natural gas, hydrogen, or ammonia into the intake manifold.
An injection valve for large engines. © Robert Bosch GmbH
Bosch Expands Methanol Infrastructure
To further advance these developments, Bosch began operating a methanol infrastructure at its Hallein development site in Austria in July. The company invested a total of 52 million euros in this project. Within the Bosch Group, the site serves as the global center of excellence for large-engine injection systems. The systems developed there are intended to enable the use of alternative fuels such as methanol, hydrogen, or ammonia in large-scale applications, including shipping, rail transport, and stationary power plants.
