Ammonia as a Fuel: An Unconventional Solution
In the quest for alternative fuels to replace petrol and diesel, researchers have been exploring various options like methanol, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels. However, one unexpected contender has emerged: ammonia. In fact, Chinese manufacturer GAC even collaborated with Toyota to successfully run a combustion engine on this carbon-free chemical. While it may seem strange to consider ammonia, typically used as a household cleaning product or fertilizer, as a fuel, it has been gaining attention for its potential in various modes of transportation, including ships, trucks, and cars.
One recent development in this area comes from Sophia University in Tokyo, where researchers have been studying how to make ammonia burn efficiently inside an engine’s combustion chamber. While ammonia is flammable due to its composition of three hydrogen atoms and one nitrogen atom, it is not easy to ignite. To address this challenge, the team at Sophia University focused on increasing swirl in the intake tract of the engine to improve combustion efficiency.
The concept of swirl refers to the formation of a vortex that combines the air-fuel mixture into a homogenous state, resulting in improved combustion and reduced emissions. This principle applies to any fuel used in a combustion engine, whether it’s ammonia, petrol, diesel, or any other substance. Therefore, the key focus of the research was to investigate the relationship between the engine’s intake system and the gas flow inside the cylinders.
To conduct their study, the scientists utilized an optical single-cylinder engine with a glass cylinder and glass piston. This setup allowed them to capture real-time footage of the intake process using a high-speed digital camera. In order to make the air-fuel mixture more visible, they added tiny particles of silica measuring just 4.65 microns across.
The research unveiled intriguing findings regarding different intake port designs. One design called a helical port proved effective in generating a swirling effect. On the other hand, another design known as the tangential port required adjustments to the size of the port opening in order to achieve the desired effect.
Moving forward, the next step for the researchers is to utilize these findings to study the combustion of pure ammonia and ammonia mixed with petrol in an engine. By understanding the intricacies of ammonia combustion and optimizing engine design, they hope to pave the way for its widespread use as a viable alternative fuel.
While ammonia may seem like an unconventional choice for a fuel, this research highlights its potential and the importance of exploring diverse options in our journey towards a greener future. By embracing innovative solutions like ammonia, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and make significant strides in combating climate change.