Highly reactive and difficult to handle, gaseous ammonia fuels pose significant challenges for widespread adoption.
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 handling and storage.
The team also explored the use of alternative fuels, such as biofuels and hydrogen, to further enhance the engine’s performance and reduce emissions.
Engine Performance Enhancements
The research team’s primary focus was on improving the engine’s performance, which involved a range of technical upgrades and modifications. The team’s efforts were centered around the ignition system, which plays a critical role in determining the engine’s power output and efficiency.
Ignition System Improvements
The team made significant improvements to the ignition system, which included:
These improvements resulted in a significant increase in the engine’s power output and thermal efficiency.
Fuel Injection and Valve Operation Optimization
The team also optimized the timing of fuel injection and valve operation to further enhance the engine’s performance. This involved:
These modifications resulted in a significant reduction in energy losses and an increase in the engine’s thermal efficiency.
After-Treatment System Development
The research 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.” ###