Use of Ammonia as a Carbon Free Fuel in Heavy Duty Powertrains

Cars and vans powered by internal combustion engines, including hybrids, will no longer be available on sale in the UK by 2035. However, replacing internal combustion engines in heavy duty powertrains, such as those used in agricultural and construction machinery, as well as marine applications, is far more challenging. Using an alternative, carbon-free fuel in a combustion engine is thought to be a viable alternative option. One such option is ammonia, however the understanding of ammonia combustion, and its behaviour within an internal combustion engine is in its infancy. The work planned here will advance our understanding of decarbonised fuels, and the challenges that are posed. Research on the use of ammonia and hydrogen for marine applications, funded through EP/T02552/1, and the impact of lubricants used in conjunction with these fuels on emissions, funded through EP/T517902/1, will be built on in this proposed work. In order to use ammonia as a decarbonised fuel, the pollutant formation, and combustion characteristics, must be understood. A different fuel injection system is required, and the air/fuel mixture preparation also requires research. The new research facility in construction in the department will allow these questions to be explored and answered. This test cell contains a 300kW engine provided by an industrial partner, Liebherr. By monitoring steady-state and transient conditions within the engine, the combustion behaviour, efficiency, and abnormal combustion can be analysed. Burning velocities will be analysed using CFD and 1D modelling, as well as minimising abnormal behaviour during operation. This will also allow for potential redesign to improve combustion. Particulates can be created as a result of ammonia combining with NOx and SO2 molecules - emission measurements will be taken, and ammonia slip will be quantified. An ammonia cracker prototype, supplied by an industrial partner, will be tested. It is hoped that the gap in knowledge in this sector will be filled, in particular regarding the aging and formation of secondary emissions. This project aligns well with the UoN Beacons of Excellence for Propulsion Futures, and is highly relevant to current global research themes, playing to the strengths of the university, including digital frontiers, health and wellbeing, and transformative technologies.