The Challenge of Gaseous Ammonia Fuels

Gaseous ammonia fuels have been touted as a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels due to their zero-carbon emissions. However, the use of gaseous ammonia fuels poses significant challenges, particularly when it comes to engine design and operation. One of the primary concerns is the difficulty in achieving efficient combustion, which can lead to reduced engine performance and increased emissions.

High-Pressure Liquid Injection Technology

To address these challenges, researchers have developed a new engine that utilizes high-pressure liquid injection technology. This innovative approach involves injecting liquid ammonia into the engine’s combustion chamber at extremely high pressures, typically in the range of 100-200 bar.

The team also conducted experiments to investigate the effects of different fuel types on the engine’s performance and emissions.

Engine Performance Enhancements

The research team focused on optimizing the engine’s performance by improving the ignition system and optimizing the timing of fuel injection and valve operation. This involved upgrading the ignition system to a more efficient and reliable design, which enabled the engine to run more smoothly and efficiently. Key improvements made to the ignition system: + Upgraded spark plugs to reduce wear and tear + Improved ignition coil design for better spark quality + Enhanced ignition timing control for optimal combustion

+ Adjusted fuel injection timing to match engine speed + Optimized valve operation to reduce friction and improve airflow

After-Treatment System

The team developed a dedicated after-treatment system to minimize nitrogen oxides (NOx) and unburnt ammonia emissions.

This research was supported by Hyundai Motor and Kia through the project titled “Evaluation of Direct Injection Ammonia Engines.” ###