Wärtsilä’s new research aims to predict engine failures before they happen
A major new research initiative has been launched to transform engine safety and reliability. The project brings together industrial and academic leaders to develop advanced technologies capable of forecasting catastrophic engine events before they occur. It is a significant step forward.
The “Early Detection of Extreme Engine Events” (EDE3) initiative seeks to build a sophisticated framework for identifying, understanding, and ultimately preventing engine failures in real-time. Managed within the Wide and Intelligent Sustainable Energy (WISE) ecosystem, this collaborative effort aims to make critical power systems more dependable than ever before, a crucial requirement as the global energy sector evolves.
A Collaborative Push for Predictive Maintenance
This ambitious project is not the work of a single entity. The EDE3 initiative is a powerful collaboration led by the Turku University of Applied Sciences. It unites a consortium of key industry players, each bringing unique expertise to the table. The project’s success hinges on this combined knowledge.
The primary partners working alongside the university include:
- Wärtsilä
- Nome Oy
- Agco Power Oy
- Unikie Oy
- EDRMedeso Oy
This mix of companies, from a global technology leader like Wärtsilä to specialists in various engineering and software fields, creates a robust foundation for the research. The entire effort is supported by the WISE ecosystem, a pioneering program co-funded by Business Finland with the goal of developing zero-emission balancing power and accelerating the transition to a fully decarbonized energy system.
The Technology Behind the EDE3 Framework
At its core, the EDE3 project is about creating a digital shield for engines. The framework will integrate several cutting-edge technologies to achieve its predictive capabilities. It isn’t just about collecting data; it’s about interpreting that data intelligently and acting on it instantly.
The system is built on a three-pronged approach. First, it uses continuous on-engine monitoring to gather a constant stream of operational data. Second, sophisticated fault simulation modeling creates digital twins of potential failures, allowing the system to recognize warning signs. Finally, adaptive signal processing connects these elements, mapping subtle signals from the engine to a specific fault prediction. To ensure the accuracy of these digital models, the research team will also generate and validate fault cases through rigorous experimental testing.
Wärtsilä’s Vision for a Reliable Future
For Wärtsilä, a global leader in technologies for the marine and energy markets, this research is central to its mission. As the world moves toward renewable energy sources, the reliability of backup and balancing power systems becomes paramount. The EDE3 project directly addresses this need.
“The EDE3 research project is expected to advance the capabilities of engine diagnostics and predictive maintenance, supporting Wärtsilä and the wider industry in adapting to evolving energy systems,” says Dr. Tero Frondelius, Senior Manager, Research & Method Development at Wärtsilä. “By exploring new approaches to early fault detection and digital modeling, the project will explore the possibility of greater reliability and efficiency, which are increasingly important as the energy transition accelerates. This research could help shape future practices and technologies across various industrial sectors.”
Dr. Frondelius’s statement highlights the project’s broad implications. The outcomes are expected to influence not only Wärtsilä’s future-proof engines but also set new standards for operational integrity across many industries that rely on heavy-duty machinery.
The Road Ahead: Timelines and Goals
The EDE3 initiative is a long-term commitment to innovation. The project is scheduled to run until July 2027, providing ample time for deep research, development, and validation. The public will get a first look at the project’s findings well before its conclusion.
In September 2026, the initial results will be presented to a wider audience at a seminar during Suomen Mekaniikkapäivät, a major mechanics and engineering event in Finland. This milestone will offer a crucial glimpse into the progress made and the potential of the predictive framework. The ultimate goal is to create a system that can be deployed across the energy and marine sectors, boosting safety, reducing costly downtime, and supporting the global shift toward a more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure.