Institution news
Please briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience regarding the International Conference on Turbochargers and Turbocharging 2023
Lutz Aurahs (LA): I’m a key note speaker and industry representative committee member for the preparation of the conference. I appreciate the 2023 conference as a relief concerning the 2020-2022 slow season in the wake of the recent global pandemic and the upheaval in the combustion engine community.
What is the top challenge facing your industry at present?
LA: The top challenge for the large bore engine and turbocharger industry for power plants and marine business currently is an unclear future about the predominant main energy conversion units (battery, ICE with different fuels, Fuel Cells, etc.) and the emerging diversification of different fuels.
How would you say your industry has evolved over the past two years?
LA: Trends and development response times have become shorter. System concept studies and new architectures are again under investigation, similar to the oil crisis in the ‘70s.
What developments are going on in your industry that may have an impact on the development of future approaches to turbocharging systems?
LA: Turbocharging of fuel cells is emerging as a possible new market not only for the passenger cars and trucks but also for marine industry and power plant applications.
New compressor and turbine generations have been developed by highly automated tool chains and optimization cycles, pushing single stage turbocharger applications further in the range of formerly reserved tow stage applications.
What will you be presenting at this year's conference?
LA: I will give a key note speech about the emerging future fuel ammonia for large bore ICEs and the implications on turbocharging solutions of those engines. Since the future and time frame of ammonia as a CO2 neutral fuel is somewhat vague, key driving factors will be discussed.
Which other speakers and presentations are you looking forward to hearing at the forthcoming seminar?
LA: I’m looking forward to all of the presentations of the conference and the opportunity for the following discussions also beside the sessions, as we have a very high standard of papers and attendees this year. From industry point of view I’m particularly interested in the talks referring to turbocharger architectures.
Why is it important for engineers and industry to come together at this event and share best practice?
LA: The ICE and turbocharging industry is facing a turmoil in the market of energy conversion for transport and electricity. In the academic world, students are turning away from rather traditional turbomachinery and combustion related disciplines and towards other more popular fields in the electric vehicle sector. The future of turbocharging technology depends on the constant rejuvenation of the community with new young talents. Sharing our experience in the turbocharging industry at the conference, not only about current technological innovations, is more important than ever.
This year's International Conference on Turbochargers and Turbocharging will take place on 15-16 May 2023 in London
Be a part of the discussons about the future of turbocharging, with presentations in 2023 covering alternative fuels, electrification, hydrogen IC engines, the implications of European Emissions Legislation Euro 7 and Euro6e and much more.
For a full conference agenda and to book your place, please visit www.imeche.org/turbo.