Public procurement notice: Voluntary Ex Ante Transparency Notice
Published: 2024-09-24
Buyer: University of Oulu
Country: FI
Region: FI1D9
Contract type: Services
Procedure: Negotiated without a prior call for competition
CPV classification: 73111000
Estimated value:  EUR
Award criteria: price
EU fund: eu-funds

Technical requirements: The University of Oulu conducts research that requires a laboratory, where is possible to use two specific types of engines as a combination.

Background and minimum requirements of procurement

The reason for the direct purchase in this case is that the UVA Engine Test Lab facility contains a fully operational single-cylinder engine capable of operating in both closed- and open-loop principles with various liquid and gaseous fuels (H₂ and methane) in different combustion modes. The single-cylinder engine is a medium-bore engine with a bore size exceeding 200 mm and a power output greater than 150 kW, which is mandatory for the scale and scope of advanced research Oulu University is performing. Additionally, the facility houses an operational medium-bore multi-cylinder engine (Wärtsilä 4L20) in which one cylinder can be treated as a separate combustion chamber, allowing independent combustion research while the other cylinders operate in standard mode with traditional fuels.

The engine setups include all necessary auxiliary equipment needed for operation, such as storage for liquid diesel-type fuels and methane, fuel lines for fossil liquid and gaseous fuels (including natural gas and hydrogen), as well as measurement systems, engine and auxiliary control systems, and a comprehensive data acquisition system. The automation and safety systems in the lab ensure compliance with current machine safety standards, providing a safe and efficient environment for engine testing. Furthermore, the lab personnel possess the required expertise for academic activities and are capable of producing high-quality, processed measurement data for top-level research purposes. This is a critical factor in ensuring that the research outputs meet the rigorous standards of academic and industrial research. One specific example of the UVA Engine Test Lab’s unique capabilities is its role in the development of the Hydrogen-Argon Power Cycle (H-APC), a promising, novel zero-emissions power generation concept. The H-APC concept addresses the challenges of frequently peaking energy demand in the future energy sector by combining hydrogen energy storage with flexible power generation, integrating various production processes through chemical looping. The Vebic Engine Test Lab also provides specialized facilities for condenser R&D activities required for the H-APC concept.

In addition, it is essential that the lab allows a yearly capacity reservation, with up to 25% of its yearly capacity being available for reservation to support ongoing and future research projects. The availability of such reservations ensures uninterrupted research operations and the continuity of experimental engine research. Moreover, the laboratory must facilitate overnight delivery of heavy goods, such as palletized cargo and engine parts, from the university premises in Oulu to the test facility. This logistical capability is critical for ensuring that engine parts and other essential materials are delivered swiftly, enabling seamless project progress. In addition, the laboratory should be within a reasonable distance from the Univeristy, allowing for travel back and forth preferably by land, as researchers need to carry e.g. measuring equipment with them to the laboratory and back.

Only the UVA Engine Test Lab can fulfill the technical and operational requirements for this procurement. The laboratory’s unique combination of medium-bore single-cylinder and multi-cylinder engines, alongside its specialized facilities, was designed in cooperation with several organizations in Finland. No other supplier can provide a similar combination of equipment and expertise that would allow Oulu University to continue its ongoing research without interruption, ensuring interoperability and uniform quality in experimental engine research. The uniqueness of the laboratory has also been one of the justifications for its funding, further underscoring its critical role in the research ecosystem.

Minimum requirements of UVA Engine Test Lab Facilities

Engine Specifications:
- Single-cylinder engine: Medium-bore engine with bore size exceeding 200 mm and power output greater than 150 kW.
- Multi-cylinder engine: Medium-bore, capable of independent combustion research on one cylinder while others operate in standard mode with traditional fuels.
Fuel Compatibility:
- Capable of operating with various liquid and gaseous fuels, including hydrogen (H₂) and methane, in both closed- and open-loop combustion modes.
Auxiliary Equipment:
- Storage for liquid diesel-type fuels and methane.
- Fuel lines for fossil liquid and gaseous fuels (including natural gas and hydrogen).
- Comprehensive measurement, control, automation, and safety systems.
- Data acquisition systems to ensure high-quality, research-grade data.
Research Capabilities:
- Personnel must be capable of academic research and producing processed measurement data suitable for top-level research purposes.
- The facility must support ongoing research, including specialized capabilities such as research on the Hydrogen-Argon Power Cycle (H-APC).
R&D Facilities:
- Support for R&D activities like condenser development required for the H-APC concept.
Capacity Reservation:
- The lab must allow reservation of up to 25 % of its yearly capacity (10 months) to ensure continuity of research projects.
Logistical Requirements:
- Overnight delivery: Capability to handle overnight deliveries of heavy goods (e.g., palletized cargo, engine parts) from Oulu University premises to the test lab.
- Proximity: The laboratory should be within a reasonable distance from Oulu University, allowing for land travel for researchers to transport measuring equipment.
Research lab use fee.

Minimum requirements of the procurement must be set.


Winner: University of Vaasa
Award value: 600000