Storage of Ammonia For Energy (SAFE) - AGT Pilot

Lead Research Organisation: CARDIFF UNIVERSITY
Department Name: Sch of Engineering

Abstract

A hydrogen economy has been the focus of researchers and developers over the decades. However, the complexity of moving and storing hydrogen has always been a major obstacle to deploy the concept. Therefore, other materials can be employed to improve handling whilst reducing cost over long distances and long periods. Ammonia, a highly hydrogenated molecule, can be used to store and distribute hydrogen easily, as the molecule has been employed for more than 120 years for fertilizer purposes. Being a carbon-free chemical, ammonia (NH3) has the potential to support a hydrogen transition thus decarbonising transport, power and industries.

However, the complexity of using ammonia for power generation lays on the appropriate use of the chemical to reach high power outputs combined with currently low efficiencies that bring up overall costs. This complex scenario is also linked to the production of combustion profiles that tend to be highly polluting (with high NOx emissions and slipped unburned ammonia). There is no technology capable of using ammonia whilst producing both low emissions and high efficiencies in large power generation devices, thus efficiently enabling the recovery of hydrogen and reconversion of stranded, green energy that can be fed back to the grid. Tackling these problems can resolve one of the most important barriers in the use of such a molecule and storage of renewable energies. Countries such as Japan have engaged in ambitious programs to resolve these issues, aiming for large power units to run on ammonia by 2030. Thus, European counterparts, led by UK innovation, need also to engage in these technological advancements to fully unlock a hydrogen, cost-effective economy.

Therefore, this project seeks to establish fundamental results that will ensure the development of an improved combustor for the use of ammonia to produce low NOx emissions combined with low ammonia slip. Hydrogen production, which will be generated through the combustion process of NH3, will also serve to increase power outputs, thus enabling the production of large power in compact systems, raising efficiency and decreasing overall cost. Improvement techniques will be assessed in currently deployed systems (Siemens gas turbines) to determine the feasibility of implementation in these devices, cutting both costs and times for units that can be employed to use ammonia as fuel in the near future. The novel combustion system proposed will be also integrated into a new ammonia micro gas turbine. The system will be combined with novel thermodynamic principles that will lead into a trigeneration cycle (cooling, power and heat) to unlock all the potential benefits of ammonia, whilst raising even more the efficiency of the system, thus creating a unique, competitive technology that can be implemented to support the hydrogen transition with negligible carbon footprint and environmental penalties.

The project will be supported by companies of international reputation (Siemens, Yara, National Instruments) and UK-European innovation enterprises looking for new areas of development (Hieta, Scitek, CoolDynamics) with the creation of unique, innovative products needed for the implementation of ammonia combustion systems and humidified ammonia-hydrogen cycles. Moreover, the outcome of the project will be ensured via Open Access documentation with bespoke numerical and experimental results that will be supplemented by series of high impact publications and seminars, thus increasing awareness of the importance of using ammonia as part of the energy mix of the following decades, having the UK as core of these developments.

Planned Impact

The proposed project will ensure that ammonia combustion in gas turbines is efficiently achieved for its use in power generation, supporting the transition to a hydrogen economy. The use of ammonia, a highly flexible hydrogen carrier, will ensure that hydrogen is stored and deployed cost-effectively. Therefore, the project will demonstrate the use of the chemical whilst setting up direct impacts on the use of future distribution networks and large power generators through the integration of renewable systems and easy-handling chemical storage facilities.
Initially, the project will spur the interest on ammonia as an energy carrier and an "X-power" enabler, attracting large companies and consortia to the development of large-scale AGTs that will backup production of power in the near future (~10 years). The statement is based on current trajectories of Japanese groups that pursue the development of large power units (>100MW) running on ammonia by 2030. Bearing this in mind, progression in Europe needs to match these developments to ensure technology independence on ammonia power systems. Groups such as the European Turbine Network, Royal Society, BEIS, IEA, etc. have recognised the potential of ammonia as hydrogen enabler, whilst this project intends to position the UK as leader on the topic for the use of the chemical, thus bringing further research and investment to the country in a post-BREXIT era.
In the medium term, small communities might benefit from the creation of efficient cycles that can efficiently recover stranded energy. It is expected that the potential benefits can reach ~21,000 individuals across the British Isles, ensuring flexibility and energy independence to isolated locations. In the long term, the UK will position itself as the hub for ammonia/hydrogen implementation in Europe, attracting investment and setting up the first international infrastructure for large power generation using these chemicals with all its environmental and economic implications.
Industrially, companies such as Siemens and Yara, whose business magnitude is globally recognised, will immediately benefit from the developments of this program, not only for exploration of novel clean technologies but also for the demonstration of the use of a flexible chemical that can be used as a clean fuel. The results will set the foundations to ensure that these companies will follow up the progression of the technology into more robust, larger systems across Europe, with the potential of reaching global markets with technologies developed and demonstrated in the UK. The project sets the foundations for the first European micro pilot plant that fully works on ammonia and that will be established as an icon for ammonia research, enabling that the chemical gains its deserved position in the global energy mix. Other companies, such as Hieta, will benefit from the development of novel concepts and materials for the use of aggressive atmospheres in heat exchanger devices. National Instruments and Scitek will also gain unique expertise on how to integrate complex devices, whilst governmental agencies and international organizations (i.e. Welsh government, ETN) will include in their R&D plans the use of ammonia as a reliable, cost-effective power vector, championing ammonia across governments whilst reaching other international agencies to spread the word of the benefits of such a molecule.
Finally, the project will serve as the medium for researchers and students (PhD) to expand their research agenda, with a hot topic that gains adepts constantly, as the topic is highly valuable in journals such as Combustion and Flame, FUEL, Int Hydrogen Energy, Applied Energy, etc. Particularly, the research will ensure that PDRAs and students can directly interact with industries and government agencies of high pedigree, combining expertise that will eventually lead to the creation of a specialised centre of excellence in Europe for ammonia studies.
 
Description The findings of new radical species in the operability of ammonia-based engines has led to the development of new injection strategies for low emissions. Currently, the results have enable the design of a new burner whose patent has recently been filled. It is expected that during the next reporting period, the system will be evaluated and improved further to reach high operability, low emissions, and reliable power using green, zero-carbon ammonia.
Thanks to the patenting process, we have now been able to secure a new program where we'll demonstrate these concepts at a larger power output (>500 - 2000 kW). Also, we have been able to assess novel ideas (such as steam injection and temperature control) that are showing to deliver lower emissions whilst keeping good combustion performance. The combination of these results has enabled the work on thermoacoustic analyses that promises in the next period to produce several outcomes, including a strong contribution to the topic of "ammonia cracked for hydrogen/nitrogen utilization".
Exploitation Route The results that have been found will be employed in the next reporting period to experimentally validate the numerical findings. The concept at a low scale has been successful, and now tests will be conducted at higher power through BEIS-industrially funded program. It is also expected that novel results using humidified conditions and complex thermoacoustics will ensure that the integration of the burner with a microGas Turbine (part of SAFE, last WPs) will be possible by the end of 2022.
Sectors Aerospace

Defence and Marine

Chemicals

Energy

Environment

URL https://www.safeammonia.com/
 
Description Our findings have been used to write long Reviews for professionals in power, energy and chemical processes. Further, we have also contributed to the production of non-specialist material for policymakers. Current results and previous background have enabled us to support a new policy briefing, sponsored by The Royal Society, that acknowledges all the implications of using ammonia as an energy vector to distribute renewable energy. Further, the use of SAFE as a UK flagship around ammonia has created the leverage to engage with large multi-nationals such as IHI, Siemens, Baker Hughes, FloGas and EPRI, with many international institutions and unviersities engaging with Cardiff. All are interested in knowing how ammonia can efficiently be used for power generation. Also, as part of the program, we have ensured our work reaches other areas in thermal power, bringing our expertise as part of these consortia (ie. UKRI, Horizon, Asian Pacific collaborations, etc.). Further analyses on the commissioning of a micro Gas Turbine have also elucidated the complexities of bringing the unit to stable conditions without incurring into damages to the system and personnel (ie. via unstable flame regimes, high noise levels, or leak of gases), thus helping in the support of guidelines, HAZOP exercises and documentation that will help future researchers in setting up laboratories that can operate employing ammonia.
First Year Of Impact 2020
Sector Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Chemicals,Energy,Environment,Other
Impact Types Economic

Policy & public services

 
Description Health and Safety Workshop Summary for the use of Ammonia
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
Impact Change in current practices for the use of ammonia at laboratory scale and large scale for demonstration systems.
URL https://jae.cardiffuniversitypress.org/articles/10.18573/jae.17
 
Description Policy Briefing on "Large scale electricity storage" - Ammonia section (Cardiff's contribution) - Prof. Chris Llewellyn (Lead)
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to new or improved professional practice
URL https://royalsociety.org/-/media/policy/projects/large-scale-electricity-storage/Large-scale-electri...
 
Description AMBURN 2
Amount £3,475,151 (GBP)
Funding ID IFS2-06-FLO 
Organisation Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2023 
End 03/2025
 
Description Cardiff University Scholarship Program
Amount £72,781 (GBP)
Organisation Cardiff University 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2020 
End 03/2024
 
Description Decarbonised Clean Marine: Green Ammonia Thermal Propulsion (MariNH3)
Amount £5,508,861 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/W016656/1 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 06/2022 
End 06/2027
 
Description Fuel Switching Competition Phase 1
Amount £242,000 (GBP)
Organisation Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2022 
End 10/2022
 
Description Ocean-REFuel - Ocean Renewable Energy Fuels
Amount £1,035,360 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/W005018/1 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 12/2021 
End 11/2026
 
Title Chemiluminescense and Spectral Spectrum Technologies 
Description Use of various filters and spectral measurement tools to identify novel radicals such as CH, OH, NH, NH2, CO, etc. which have been employed for combustion efficiency and flame features with various ammonia-hydrogen blends. 
Type Of Material Improvements to research infrastructure 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Use of combined chemiluminescence and spectral analyses to determine flame stability for the implementation of the technique for its use in simpler combustion stability tools. Research that has been presented in the Combustion Symposium (waiting for reviewers' feedback). 
URL https://repository.kaust.edu.sa/handle/10754/669448
 
Title Combustion control for DLE type model gas ammonia turbine combustor 
Description A suitable combustion control approach was developed for ammonia combustion in a model gas turbine combustor based of DLE Siemens SGT combustion systems. 
Type Of Material Improvements to research infrastructure 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact The combustion control approach allowed utilisation varying ratios of ammonia/hydrogen mixtures in a model GT combustor for studying fundamental behaviour of the flames. 
 
Title Model validation approach through simultaneous multi-scalar imaging in ammonia laminar flames 
Description UCL Team has developed simultaneous PLIF OH/NO and Chemi imaging approaches suitable for extracting 1D profiles of ammonia/hydrogen laminar flames 
Type Of Material Improvements to research infrastructure 
Year Produced 2022 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact This method for the first time allowed direct comparison of numerical flame profile for various reaction mechanism with experimental data. 
 
Description AFC (Ammonia Fuel Cells UK) - Cardiff University 
Organisation AFC Energy Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution AFC has been on the search of ammonia combustion expertise for some of their medium and large scale systems. Cardiff University, with an expertise of more than 7 years, has joined efforts through a Non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with AFC to start collaborating in the development of advanced hybrid system that employ combustion and fuel cells for shipping and transportation activities.
Collaborator Contribution AFC has brought to the partnership their expertise on ammonia fuel cells. Further, they have also added new topics of research and development to our list of projects, hence expanding our reach into the use of ammonia combustion systems. They have also introduced us to other potential partners across the UK and internationally.
Impact Outcomes are still to come. It is expected that both partners will join multi-million-pound programs in the development of hybrid systems in support to the shipping and transportation sector.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Ammonia Multiphase 
Organisation Imperial College London
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We have brought some fundamental analyses to start working on the writing of a new proposal related to the use of ammonia in multiphase combustion devices. The concept follows the findings from SAFE to use multi-vector fuels in power/heating applications, but with the addition of bringing liquid fuels to the mix (ej. Biofuels). The work conducted in SAFE will ensure that we know the best parameters of combustion, whilst also allowing us to perform state-of-the-art measurements that without SAFE would have been impossible.
Collaborator Contribution The University of Leicester and Imperial Colleage are bringing their expertise on CFD modelling and Energy/Exergy analyses to determine the most efficient condition of operation of futuristic injection systems. Their work on the area will ensure that conditions that cannot be tested experimentally, can be assessed numerically for future projects that will attempt demonstration at small/medium size scales.
Impact Proposal under preparation for EPSRC funding with support from Rolls Royce, RWE, Uniper.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Ammonia Multiphase 
Organisation University of Leicester
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We have brought some fundamental analyses to start working on the writing of a new proposal related to the use of ammonia in multiphase combustion devices. The concept follows the findings from SAFE to use multi-vector fuels in power/heating applications, but with the addition of bringing liquid fuels to the mix (ej. Biofuels). The work conducted in SAFE will ensure that we know the best parameters of combustion, whilst also allowing us to perform state-of-the-art measurements that without SAFE would have been impossible.
Collaborator Contribution The University of Leicester and Imperial Colleage are bringing their expertise on CFD modelling and Energy/Exergy analyses to determine the most efficient condition of operation of futuristic injection systems. Their work on the area will ensure that conditions that cannot be tested experimentally, can be assessed numerically for future projects that will attempt demonstration at small/medium size scales.
Impact Proposal under preparation for EPSRC funding with support from Rolls Royce, RWE, Uniper.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Ammonia Propulsion using Plasmas 
Organisation University of Birmingham
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We have delivered information and data relevant for the use of ammonia/hydrogen blends in combustion systems. These numbers have been employed for validation of numerical models that attempt the use of plasmas for combustion improvement. The work led to the writing of a proposal where with support from Birmingham University, Clean Air Power, Rolls Royce and a strong international steering group (ie. Lund, Birmingham, CERTH) we will deliver new injection devices for liquid ammonia atomized applications (ie. ICEs, GTs, Boilers, etc).
Collaborator Contribution The University of Birmingham has conducted successful modelling trials using ammonia/hydrogen plasmas that now show improvement in the combustion profiles of our burners. Thus, the application, if funded, will ensure that ammonia can be more efficiently burned and, in combination with kerosene, be even possible to have a realible, easier to handle fuel for civil aircrafts. Their contributions have also allowed us to seek for internal funding to get new plasma equipment that will permit the experimentation of these novel systems for near-term commercialization.
Impact We are in the process of waiting for the final outcome of the application for the development of novel injectors for the aerospace sector.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Ammonia Propulsion using Plasmas 
Organisation University of Cambridge
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We have delivered information and data relevant for the use of ammonia/hydrogen blends in combustion systems. These numbers have been employed for validation of numerical models that attempt the use of plasmas for combustion improvement. The work led to the writing of a proposal where with support from Birmingham University, Clean Air Power, Rolls Royce and a strong international steering group (ie. Lund, Birmingham, CERTH) we will deliver new injection devices for liquid ammonia atomized applications (ie. ICEs, GTs, Boilers, etc).
Collaborator Contribution The University of Birmingham has conducted successful modelling trials using ammonia/hydrogen plasmas that now show improvement in the combustion profiles of our burners. Thus, the application, if funded, will ensure that ammonia can be more efficiently burned and, in combination with kerosene, be even possible to have a realible, easier to handle fuel for civil aircrafts. Their contributions have also allowed us to seek for internal funding to get new plasma equipment that will permit the experimentation of these novel systems for near-term commercialization.
Impact We are in the process of waiting for the final outcome of the application for the development of novel injectors for the aerospace sector.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Baker Hughes Collaboration 
Organisation Baker Hughes
Country United States 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution The fund from EPSRC (SAFE) has allowed us to start working with companies out of the remit of the fund that are currently engaging and developing new technologies for the utilisation of ammonia. Baker Hughes, one of the largest Gas Turbine manufacturers (part of the GE family), is now engaging with Cardiff for the application of new proposals to the EU Horizon program to innovate on new burner technologies using this fuel. The contributions done by us (ie. sharing some fundamental data on the utilisation of ammonia/hydrogen blends) has allowed us to nurture this collaboration, becoming a strategic partner for the company in the pursue of using NH3.
Collaborator Contribution Initially, Baker Hughes supported some steering of some fundamental tests whilst also guiding us in the use of more industrially representative conditions for the utilisation of this fuel. Once successful results were obtained, Baker Hughes invited us to contribute into a Horizon Proposal where Cardiff will be the main partner conducting combustion tests for ammonia/hydrogen blends.
Impact Proposals, potential of industrially funded projects, potential for future papers/journals, potential PhD studenships, potential for secondments to students and researchers.
Start Year 2021
 
Description Chile and Wales Collaboration 
Organisation Federico Santa María Technical University
Country Chile 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Current works on the production of ammonia in Chile have led to the creation of a new consortium between Chile and Cardiff, with the recent award of a network program that seeks to evaluate the potential of the molecule in Chilean energy systems. Cardiff will deliver seminars and receive researchers to speed up the implementation of ammonia combustion systems using porous materials.
Collaborator Contribution Simultaneously, FSM and the Catholic Pontificia University of Chile will provide funds to Cardiff researchers to visit laboratories and facilities, whilst also working together towards the production of high impact manuscripts, complemented with proposal for international funds.
Impact The work will deliver high impact manuscripts, proposals and adequate infrastructure (for Chilean colleagues) to safely operate using ammonia as an energy vector.
Start Year 2023
 
Description Chile and Wales Collaboration 
Organisation Pontifical Catholic University of Chile
Country Chile 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Current works on the production of ammonia in Chile have led to the creation of a new consortium between Chile and Cardiff, with the recent award of a network program that seeks to evaluate the potential of the molecule in Chilean energy systems. Cardiff will deliver seminars and receive researchers to speed up the implementation of ammonia combustion systems using porous materials.
Collaborator Contribution Simultaneously, FSM and the Catholic Pontificia University of Chile will provide funds to Cardiff researchers to visit laboratories and facilities, whilst also working together towards the production of high impact manuscripts, complemented with proposal for international funds.
Impact The work will deliver high impact manuscripts, proposals and adequate infrastructure (for Chilean colleagues) to safely operate using ammonia as an energy vector.
Start Year 2023
 
Description FloGas and Cardiff University - Ammonia Furnaces 
Organisation Flogas Britain
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution FloGas and Cardiff have joined efforts to develop new ammonia combustion technologies for furnaces and boilers that can potentially replace fossil-based systems. Cardiff University has brought its expertise on the use of ammonia combustion for the re-design of new burners, trying to create technologies of low emissions and high power outputs.
Collaborator Contribution FloGas has approached Cardiff to request funds (>£250,000) for the preliminary study of ammonia-based blends for the replacement of natural gas in large scale furnaces. The work is expected to deliver novel units that in a second project (>£4M and 5MW power) will demonstrate the capabilities of FloGas and Cardiff to deliver clean combustion using ammonia as a fuel. FloGas' expertise in burner design, materials science and commissioning of large systems will be paramount to the success of the project. The fund for a second phase has been granted (£3.7M), where FloGas has provided full support via steering, suppliers and contacts, commercial plan and the possibility of becoming the first customers of the developments produced from SAFE.
Impact Expected by mid-Summer 2022, with a fund of 6 months to do preliminary tests on a 25kW power unit for ammonia-blends in FloGas burners. A second phase program has been granted. The program is going to last 2 years, where a demonstration (of 2MW power) will be performed, followed by commercial and marketing analyses for new products. It is emphasized that the main product that will be demonstrated and improved through this program is the one patented in SAFE.
Start Year 2022
 
Description KAUST - Cardiff University Collaboration 
Organisation King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Country Saudi Arabia 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) between Cardiff University and KAUST to develop novel studies on the use of ammonia blends for combustion purposes. Cardiff University has contributed to the development and study of various tangential swirl burners, their performance and combustion features, and fundamental/applied studies of complex, turbulence flames.
Collaborator Contribution KAUST has supported our studies using advanced optical measurement techniques and novel software tools for correlation between radical species. Also, KAUST has invited us to deliver several Keynote speeches in their annual events (Low Carbon Meeting; Ammonia Workshop; APCC; etc.) whilst providing us with potential Researchers for parallel ammonia combustion programs.
Impact Several outcomes, including, 1. A joint Combustion Paper on Spectral Analyses of Ammonia/Hydrogen flames in swirl burners for the Proceedings of the Combustion Institute (2022) 2. Three presentations during KAUST international meetings (with more than 800 attendees) 3. Support in the preparation of the NH3 European Conference 4. Support as part of the Scientific Committee of the 1st Symposium on Ammonia Energy 5. Support as Guest Editors in the new journal of Ammonia Energy
Start Year 2021
 
Description Kyoto and Cardiff 
Organisation University of Kyoto
Country Japan 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Kyoto University, in collaboration with Nippon Steel, have sent a researcher to work with us in the SAFE program. The researcher is currently evaluating our burner technology using novel gas blends usually employed in the production of steel. We have provided experimental rigs, gases and infrastructure for these tests.
Collaborator Contribution Simultaneously, Nippon Steel has sponsored the researcher for 2 years (at £8k bench fees), whilst Kyoto University has provided bespoke software (CFD) for the study of these blends. The research has led to a high impact conference publication (PROCI 2024) and the start of collaboration with Nippon Steel on steel making processes using ammonia.
Impact PROCI Conference paper accepted, with the potential of generating much more outputs as part of the SAFE project.
Start Year 2023
 
Description Loire Valley collaboration 
Organisation Brandenburg Technical University
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Through the development of a joint network, we managed to secure funding from the Loire Valley to conduct workshops for the progression of ammonia combustion. Each institution would share their own expertise (ie. ours on gas turbines) to foresee formal collaboration via national and international funds. The work also led to creating the background for the 1st and 2nd Symposium on Ammonia Energy hosted at Cardiff and Orleans, respectively.
Collaborator Contribution Sharing of knowledge and support in writing new bids for access to European funds in programs such as Marie Curie, COST Action and bi-lateral funds.
Impact New collaborations with other partners across Europe currently working with our main partners in this proposal. New proposal submissions (6 in total - unfortunately, none funded yet. However, the outcomes were at the highest level, with some of the highest scores in the Horizon programs, being funding the main issue), potential secondments between academics and researchers, and sharing of expertise and suppliers across the chain of production/use of ammonia.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Loire Valley collaboration 
Organisation Institute for Research on Combustion
Country Italy 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Through the development of a joint network, we managed to secure funding from the Loire Valley to conduct workshops for the progression of ammonia combustion. Each institution would share their own expertise (ie. ours on gas turbines) to foresee formal collaboration via national and international funds. The work also led to creating the background for the 1st and 2nd Symposium on Ammonia Energy hosted at Cardiff and Orleans, respectively.
Collaborator Contribution Sharing of knowledge and support in writing new bids for access to European funds in programs such as Marie Curie, COST Action and bi-lateral funds.
Impact New collaborations with other partners across Europe currently working with our main partners in this proposal. New proposal submissions (6 in total - unfortunately, none funded yet. However, the outcomes were at the highest level, with some of the highest scores in the Horizon programs, being funding the main issue), potential secondments between academics and researchers, and sharing of expertise and suppliers across the chain of production/use of ammonia.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Loire Valley collaboration 
Organisation University of Orleans
Country France 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Through the development of a joint network, we managed to secure funding from the Loire Valley to conduct workshops for the progression of ammonia combustion. Each institution would share their own expertise (ie. ours on gas turbines) to foresee formal collaboration via national and international funds. The work also led to creating the background for the 1st and 2nd Symposium on Ammonia Energy hosted at Cardiff and Orleans, respectively.
Collaborator Contribution Sharing of knowledge and support in writing new bids for access to European funds in programs such as Marie Curie, COST Action and bi-lateral funds.
Impact New collaborations with other partners across Europe currently working with our main partners in this proposal. New proposal submissions (6 in total - unfortunately, none funded yet. However, the outcomes were at the highest level, with some of the highest scores in the Horizon programs, being funding the main issue), potential secondments between academics and researchers, and sharing of expertise and suppliers across the chain of production/use of ammonia.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Shanghai Jiao Tong and Cardiff 
Organisation Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Country China 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Collaborative work on the creation of the 3rd Symposium on Ammonia Energy. Close work has been ongoing with SJT for the development of an International Society, leading to the first academic organization working on ammonia energy worldwide. The work is also opening new mechanisms of collaboration with the Foshan Xianhu Laboratory, whilst establishing a door to access Chinese markets with UK/British technologies developed via SAFE.
Collaborator Contribution Signature of an NDA for the joint work on ammonia combustion technologies with the Foshan Xianhu Laboratory, hence supporting the inclusion of ammonia-based technologies in the reduction of emissions in China and the UK. Further, the contribution opens new mechanisms of collaboration for mobility between institutions for research on subjects related to ammonia utilization, storage and distribution.
Impact We are currently working towards the new version of the Symposium on Ammonia Energy, hence creating a platform for academic dissemination of ammonia use, production and distribution. The symposium promises to be the largest of its kind, with hundreds of researchers and technicians utilizing ammonia as an energy vector. The works also include a Workshop that is leading to a White Paper constructed internationally for the use of ammonia at various scales.
Start Year 2023
 
Description Siemens-UCL-Cardiff work on ammonia-based gas turbines 
Organisation Siemens AG
Department Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Siemens, Cardiff and UCL are currently working on the development of new methods for the use of ammonia/hydrogen blends in SGT units at various power outputs (1 and 5MWs). The work includes robust analyses on ammonia combustion features, burner geometries, material impacts, etc. Cardiff has contributed with the expertise on ammonia combustion in complex swirling flows that will be employed to evaluate a new set of adjustments in Siemens burners.
Collaborator Contribution Siemens Turbomachinery has supported Cardiff on the use of ammonia combustion systems for gas turbines. The support has come through both the steering of the SAFE program and the support of a CDT Studentship for the use of ammonia and/or hydrogen-based blends in representative Siemens combustors. These works have led to ongoing discussions for larger InnovateUK funds for demonstration purposes of the use of ammonia blends in the power sector. It is envisaged that a new proposal will be presented and documented by the next reporting period on this line of action.
Impact CDT Studentship (Robin Vivoli) who started his PhD at the end of 2021. The work includes the use of ammonia blends in tangential swirl burners representative of Siemens' burners. Further outcomes are expected by the next reporting period, with a multi-million-pound proposal sponsored mainly by industrial funds.
Start Year 2021
 
Description Solar Turbines and Cardiff 
Organisation Solar Turbines
Country United States 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Research outcomes obtained from SAFE have disseminated globally, and companies such as Solar Turbines have contacted us to work on the subject of material science. Materials used for gas turbines can get exposed to complex atmospheres when using ammonia/hydrogen, hence creating an scenario of potential failures and embrittlement. Thus, we are expanding our understanding of the complexities that ammonia/hydrogen exposure could have on components, hence delivering science and research to support the creation of new materials capable of withstanding these atmospheres.
Collaborator Contribution Our partner has signed an agreement to support a CDT studentship (Miss Bronagh Flood) who is currently evaluating the various materials within Solar Gas turbines that could be exposed to these atmospheres. The work will deliver unique science and the potential of creating materials strong enough to resist exhaust gases of complex atmospheres produced when burning ammonia/hydrogen.
Impact The collaboration started just a few months ago, so we're expecting to see real outcomes in a few months, with an extensive literature search followed by extenuating experimental campaigns for hot components used for gas turbine systems.
Start Year 2023
 
Description Special Metals Innovative Materials 
Organisation Special Metals Wiggin Trustees Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Development through SAFE of a new rig capable of receiving high temperature resistant materials that will be evaluated under high ammonia/hydrogen/water atmospheres for their use in new combustors using ammonia as a fuel. We have ensured that the system is flexible enough to evaluate different samples at a great variety of conditions, enabling the proper assessment of these combustion flames in materials such as Inconels, Haynnes, Hastelloys, etc.
Collaborator Contribution Special Metals has agreed to supply us with a great variety of samples (10 at the moment) to evaluate their resistance and performance under high temperature, high corrosive ammonia atmospheres. Similarly, the University of Cambridge has also partnered with us in this venture to determine the impact of these blends and the associated effects of nitrogen/hydrogen embrittlement, with the aims of acknowledging the phenomena and potentially create a new material capable of withstanding these atmospheres. The works will lead to a new EPSRC proposal which will include the patenting of a new material for ammonia/hydrogen/humidified atmospheres.
Impact Initial samples of various materials. It is expected that results are evaluated with our partner for a high impact publication, and the preparation of a large EPSRC/InnovateUK proposal for development of high resistant combustor materials. Under these grounds, it is envisaged a confidentiality agreement in the following months.
Start Year 2021
 
Description Special Metals Innovative Materials 
Organisation University of Cambridge
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Development through SAFE of a new rig capable of receiving high temperature resistant materials that will be evaluated under high ammonia/hydrogen/water atmospheres for their use in new combustors using ammonia as a fuel. We have ensured that the system is flexible enough to evaluate different samples at a great variety of conditions, enabling the proper assessment of these combustion flames in materials such as Inconels, Haynnes, Hastelloys, etc.
Collaborator Contribution Special Metals has agreed to supply us with a great variety of samples (10 at the moment) to evaluate their resistance and performance under high temperature, high corrosive ammonia atmospheres. Similarly, the University of Cambridge has also partnered with us in this venture to determine the impact of these blends and the associated effects of nitrogen/hydrogen embrittlement, with the aims of acknowledging the phenomena and potentially create a new material capable of withstanding these atmospheres. The works will lead to a new EPSRC proposal which will include the patenting of a new material for ammonia/hydrogen/humidified atmospheres.
Impact Initial samples of various materials. It is expected that results are evaluated with our partner for a high impact publication, and the preparation of a large EPSRC/InnovateUK proposal for development of high resistant combustor materials. Under these grounds, it is envisaged a confidentiality agreement in the following months.
Start Year 2021
 
Description Tohoku University and AIST (Japan) collaboration 
Organisation National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
Country Japan 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Collaboration with Japan to develop new reaction models for the use of ammonia/hydrogen blends. The collaboration has led to the first "Young Researchers of Energy in Ammonia (YREA)" Conference sponsored by SAFE. This initiative has opened new avenues for funding. One of them relates to a recent application that Tohoku University is leading to receive Miss Marina Kovaleva, PhD candidate working in SAFE, to spend a short secondment (3 months) conducting high pressure, turbulent analyses that will be used for correlation of parameters in our CFD models.
Collaborator Contribution Tohoku University and AIST have invited us to contribute to several proposals that they are presenting to the Japanese Government, so Cardiff University can actively collaborate in their research. A medium-size proposal (£150,000 proposal, out of which Cardiff would receive £67,000, April 2020) was put forward to the Japanese Scientific Council for evaluation. Unfortunately, the proposal was unsuccessful. However, we are still in active talks with Tohoku and AIST to pursue other funding streams. A recent application (worth £6,000, Jan 2021) was submitted for the exchange of students. Further, we have also engaged with several industrial companies such as IHI (i.e. major power and engine propulsion developer in Asia) via collaboration with Tohoku University and AIST. Their support has led to recent conversations between the Welsh Government, BEIS and IHI Green Ammonia Consortium to seek avenues to sponsor large industrial ventures between both countries.
Impact Dissemination of the topic of Ammonia as an Energy vector via the conference YREA. It is expected that 20 students will take place in this edition, with another 100 to join us from different universities across the world in a second edition expected at the beginning of 2022. Further, the collaboration has led to recent talks between the Welsh Government, BEIS and the Green Ammonia Consortium, conversations that are expected to lead to new funding avenues across both countries to tackle the most concerning barriers in the use of ammonia and/or hydrogen. Finally, the collaboration has permitted the application of new funds sponsored by the Japanese government. It is expected that Cardiff will also include AIST/Tohoku in new EPSRC proposals for the development of new technologies with patentable potential.
Start Year 2020
 
Description Tohoku University and AIST (Japan) collaboration 
Organisation Tohoku University
Country Japan 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Collaboration with Japan to develop new reaction models for the use of ammonia/hydrogen blends. The collaboration has led to the first "Young Researchers of Energy in Ammonia (YREA)" Conference sponsored by SAFE. This initiative has opened new avenues for funding. One of them relates to a recent application that Tohoku University is leading to receive Miss Marina Kovaleva, PhD candidate working in SAFE, to spend a short secondment (3 months) conducting high pressure, turbulent analyses that will be used for correlation of parameters in our CFD models.
Collaborator Contribution Tohoku University and AIST have invited us to contribute to several proposals that they are presenting to the Japanese Government, so Cardiff University can actively collaborate in their research. A medium-size proposal (£150,000 proposal, out of which Cardiff would receive £67,000, April 2020) was put forward to the Japanese Scientific Council for evaluation. Unfortunately, the proposal was unsuccessful. However, we are still in active talks with Tohoku and AIST to pursue other funding streams. A recent application (worth £6,000, Jan 2021) was submitted for the exchange of students. Further, we have also engaged with several industrial companies such as IHI (i.e. major power and engine propulsion developer in Asia) via collaboration with Tohoku University and AIST. Their support has led to recent conversations between the Welsh Government, BEIS and IHI Green Ammonia Consortium to seek avenues to sponsor large industrial ventures between both countries.
Impact Dissemination of the topic of Ammonia as an Energy vector via the conference YREA. It is expected that 20 students will take place in this edition, with another 100 to join us from different universities across the world in a second edition expected at the beginning of 2022. Further, the collaboration has led to recent talks between the Welsh Government, BEIS and the Green Ammonia Consortium, conversations that are expected to lead to new funding avenues across both countries to tackle the most concerning barriers in the use of ammonia and/or hydrogen. Finally, the collaboration has permitted the application of new funds sponsored by the Japanese government. It is expected that Cardiff will also include AIST/Tohoku in new EPSRC proposals for the development of new technologies with patentable potential.
Start Year 2020
 
Title COMBUSTOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS - STRATIFIED INJECTION COMBUSTOR 
Description The combustor uses stratified injection for the delivery of various fuels concentrically to a central burner. The injection allows better performance and control of the individual fuels, hence restricting emissions whilst maintaining stability. The device can be used for gas turbine systems but also in boiler applications. 
IP Reference 2017854.7 
Protection Patent / Patent application
Year Protection Granted 2020
Licensed No
Impact Thanks to this patent, we have now engaged in a Phase II Fuel Switching Competition program (AMBURN II) for the demonstration of the unit at a utility scale (~2MW). The patent will be used for boilers that require fuel replacement (ie. propane by ammonia) to decarbonize farming and chemical/distillery processes. The program seeks to conduct a commercial analysis with the aim of giving us a good insight into what the market requires for these units. Potentially, the patent will be used for propane replacement across the UK in these applications (dozens all across the country), with also the possibility of the creation of a Spinout on the basis of this IP property.
 
Description ACES Meeting - Collaboration with France 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact The workshop consisted in defining the challenges and requirements for the use of ammonia as an energy vector. We presented the topic of gas turbines using this fuel, whilst also supporting further discussions on what is the relevant technology that could have big impact on future scenarios with ammonia.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description ACM Ammonia Combustion Workshop KAUST 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Organization and chairing in the 1st Ammonia Combustion Workshop, KAUST.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://ccrc.kaust.edu.sa/acm
 
Description Advances Wales: Research to unlock the power of ammonia 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Publication in Advances Wales about the work we are conducting on ammonia/hydrogen research for gas turbines. The publication led to questions from some Assembly Members about our contributions to the transition to an "ammonia economy" in Wales and the UK.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://businesswales.gov.wales/innovation/sites/innovation/files/documents/Issue%2094_0.pdf
 
Description Alternative Liquids Seminar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact As part of the Aerospace/Energy Institute of the University of Nottingham, I delivered a keynote speech for the use of ammonia as an energy vector in the aerospace sector.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Ammonia Energy Association Chairing Activities 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact SAFE has enabled us to be recognized in the use of ammonia, being invited to chair activities to promote our know-how on combustion and emissions in ammonia fuelled systems by the Ammonia Energy Association (AEA). The work has enabled the dissemination of activities to some of the most active industrial developers of these technologies. The works have led to the recognition of gaps in the overall understanding of the concept, thus setting up the foundations to start working on an International White Paper that will reach politicians and policymakers around the globe. The initial, immediate audience, comprised of AEA members, will be 200 strong international industrial companies.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020,2021
 
Description Ammonia Energy Association Newsletter 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The Ammonia Energy Association (AEA) wrote a dedicated blog to the SAFE program. The blog illustrates the details of the project, funding, and support given by EPSRC to tackle the most challenging aspects of using ammonia as an energy vector. The blog led to many requests from industries working on ammonia technologies, which have led to the preparation of several ammonia-based proposals for the use of the chemical at medium/large scales.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.ammoniaenergy.org/articles/cardiff-university-launches-ammonia-gas-turbine-project/
 
Description Bank of America - Investors Seminar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Invited seminar for the Bank of America's investors. Current dissemination activities via safeammonia.com and other platforms led to engagement with the Bank of America, Chemical Research Division. Several of their investors are currently interested in investing on new ammonia technologies, therefore inviting us to provide an expert talk to more than 70 representatives from all across the world. The event led to many questions about economics, technological development, paths to the future, and commercialization. We have been invited to a new Seminar for "Zero-carbon technologies" sponsored by the Bank of America in early March 2021.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Centenary IMechE Seminar 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Seminar on Ammonia Energy for the Centenary IMechE Seminar, South Wales Section.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://nearyou.imeche.org/near-you/UK/South-Wales/event-detail?id=19500
 
Description Combustion Institute, British Section, Alternative Fuels Seminar 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Keynote speech for the Combustion Institute, British Section, on alternative e-fuels.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.combustion.org.uk/news-events/seminars
 
Description European Combustion Meeting 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Plenary speech on the use of ammonia as a safe, high density medium for power, heat and transport, with emphasis on the use of gas turbines.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://ecm2023.sciencesconf.org/
 
Description Gas Turbine Japanese Society 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Presentation of the role of Gas Turbines fuelled with ammonia during the 2024 Gas Turbine Japanese Society as Plenary Speaker.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://igtc2023.org/
 
Description Keynote Mexican Hydrogen Society XXI Congress 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact Keynote speech (45 mins) for the XXI Congress on Hydrogen for the Hydrogen Mexican Society.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://hidrogeno.org.mx/xxi-international-congress-of-the-mexican-hydrogen-society/
 
Description Low Carbon Summer School 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Invitation to deliver a long Seminar (1.5 hrs) about ammonia technologies and the ammonia economy. The Seminar, part of the Low Carbon Summer School, was sponsored by Jiao Tong Shangai with the participation of more than 150 postgraduate students and professionals in the use of clean technologies. As a result of the seminar, many students (especially from China and India) have contacted our group to join a PhD/Postdoctorate program for the use of ammonia/hydrogen in gas turbines and marine engines.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Mediterranean Combustion Symposium 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Plenary talk related to ammonia fuelled systems and current ammonia energy research to the combustion community.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://mcsymposium.com/
 
Description Mexican Society of Mechanical Engineers (SOMIM) Seminar 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Invitation to deliver a long seminar (1.5 hrs) about the use of ammonia and hydrogen blends for their use in gas turbines and propulsion systems. SOMIM, the inviting body, is the major organization of Mechanical Engineers in Mexico. Their interest in ammonia led to a seminar that attracted more than 120 attendees, many from top Mexican universities (i.e. UNAM, UNAL, Politecnico, etc.), many other professionals from various countries (India, Iran, Iraq, Spain, UK, etc.). The outcome is that many universities in Mexico have contacted us to start working on joint research programs related to the subject.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
 
Description Near Zero Carbon Combustion Technology 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Presentation of ammonia-based technologies during a Net Zero Carbon technologies seminar at KAUST.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://ccrc.kaust.edu.sa/conference-2021
 
Description Summer School Net Zero Fuels 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact In collaboration with Jiao Tong Shanghai and Sheffield Campus Malaysia, we delivered a workshop on the use of Net Zero fuels for a certificated program. My contributions were on the areas of ammonia and hydrogen.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://netzerocarbon.sjtu.edu.cn/courses
 
Description YREA Conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact The 1st Young Researchers in Energy from Ammonia (YREA) conference. The edition will bring postgraduate students working on ammonia for energy from Cardiff University, KAUST and Tohoku University. The conference, sponsored by SAFE and led by Cardiff, will be the first of its type worldwide. It is envisaged that the next edition (2022) will attract more than 60-100 students from all the world. The outcomes will serve to spread the developments done at Cardiff, and position the UK as key player in the subject.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description safeammonia.com - Website, Linkedin, Instagram 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact The website, safeammonia.com, has been created to disseminate all our activities, engagement and important news product of the SAFE program. The audience at the moment has reached more than 100 people, and now with a new addition via Linkedin, the dissemination has reached professional bodies and ammonia industrials interested in the subject. From that engagement, we have received several enquiries to evaluate projects, review proposals and participate as partners in other funding activities.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.safeammonia.com/