Sustainable Heavy Duty Truck, Marine and Rail Transport

Lead Research Organisation: University of Nottingham
Department Name: Faculty of Engineering

Abstract

Battery electrified power is predicted to become the dominant mode of propulsion in future passenger cars. For long haul heavy duty transport challenges remain around practical range, payload and total cost. Currently there is no single economically viable decarbonised solution for heavy duty ground vehicles. Ammonia could form part of the ideal future mix, as a hydrogen energy vector or potentially through direct end use. The proposed work seeks to determine the energy and air quality impacts and potential future applications of a novel ammonia-fuelled heavy duty IC engine operating with high efficiency (c.50% brake) and zero emissions through a new fast burning combustion system. The project will evaluate potential reductions in energy demand in the 'green' ammonia production process, making use of the new green ammonia pilot plant at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratories. In order to assess relative advantages and challenges, the project will undertake evidence based life cycle analysis across a spectrum of competing decarbonised powertrain technologies for long range heavy duty transport (ground, freight rail and marine).

Planned Impact

In alignment with the UK government Clean Growth Strategy, Clean Air Strategy and Maritime 2050 this project will examine a novel solution for full decarbonisation while in parallel examining competing technologies in a comprehensive life cycle analysis approach. As the markets evolve incrementally alongside technology driven cost reductions, a step-change in knowledge, understanding and technology associated with decarbonised vehicles is required to position the UK at the forefront of design, development and manufacture of such vehicles. The work will help deliver the EPSRC's Healthy, Resilient, Productive and Connected Nation delivery plan. Through the decarbonisation of transport we will strive to create a Healthy Nation through innovative drivetrains with vastly reduced carbon and pollutant emissions (soot/particulates, NOx, CO and unburned hydrocarbons). Activities will fully align with the Clean Growth Strategy, specifically addressing target areas "innovation in low carbon transport technology". The work will directly support achieving the Industrial Strategy targets of 50% of vehicles being low emission by 2030. More broadly, the project will support the development and definition of future emissions policies for future heavy duty on and off highway applications. This includes incoming Clean Air Zones in UK cities, foreseen to rapidly evolve towards zero emissions. Through our shared research into sustainable alternatives we will reduce reliance on carbon and also rare earth materials in electric power ensuring the nation does not rely as heavily on others, which in turn will help drive the delivery of a more Resilient Nation. The embedded program for improving the personal skill set of UK based researchers will help make the UK more Resilient in terms of building a strong future in STEM.

The work will deliver improved understanding to the researchers and the wider academic community (CREDS and beyond), the industry partners and their supply chains and wider society including policy makers. The project will lead to further projects at higher TRL, with funding sought from Innovate UK and/or the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund to maximise commercial impact to the benefit of the UK based partners.
 
Description This work has considered the impact of ammonia on future ground transport. The scope has involved assessment of ammonia as both an energy store and in direct end use in IC engines. The work to date has shown that ammonia energy storage is less favourable for ground transport, where direct electrification is much more efficient and probably scalable across the UK in a suitable timeframe. For direct end use, the work has proven that ammonia can be a viable fuel for applications where industrial health and safety protocols can always be upheld. It has been experimental proven viable to run existing diesel engines on up to 90% ammonia (with 10% remaining diesel pilot fuel, which was found comparable to biogas dual fuelling), however challenges remain around ammonia "slip" (i.e. unburned ammonia escaping in the engine exhaust system). The experimental work also involved study of a highly novel "passive jet ignition" engine combustion system and a new thermal barrier coating for pistons to help offset apparent fuel economy deficit with ammonia. On the smaller engines available, this system was not viable for ammonia, however the work indicated good potential for future large bore engines (e.g. larger engines used in applications such as shipping, freight rail and stationary power generation). Future work is required at true large scale.
Exploitation Route The results have directly helped to define the scope of work being undertaken in the EPSRC MariNH3 programme grant
Sectors Aerospace

Defence and Marine

Construction

Energy

Transport

 
Description The experimental testing has helped to define health and safety measures for future ammonia end us in IC engines. The university lab has regular visitors from wider academia and industry enquiring around the fuel system installation and safety measures defined.
First Year Of Impact 2022
Sector Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Construction
Impact Types Policy & public services

 
Description Decarbonised Clean Construction Engines via Retrofit Hydrogen and Ammonia Flex Fuelling
Amount £425,072 (GBP)
Funding ID 179098201 
Organisation Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2022 
End 05/2023
 
Description The Opportunities and Challenges of Scaling Ammonia as an Energy Vector for Expeditionary Environments
Amount £136,000 (GBP)
Funding ID N62909-21-1-2062 
Organisation ONRG Office of Naval Research Global 
Sector Public
Country United States
Start 08/2021 
End 04/2023
 
Title Elitist Genetic Algorithm (EGA)-based Energy Storage System (ESS)-facilitated Heavy Good Electric Vehicle (HGEV) charging station designer 
Description This solution leverages an Elitist Genetic Algorithm (EGA) to tackle interconnected challenges in the Energy Storage System (ESS) design and demand-side management, particularly focusing on battery scheduling. It addresses these concerns simultaneously for diverse styles of Heavy Goods Electrical Vehicle (HGEV) Depots and on-route charging stations. The ESS design encompasses considerations like battery capacity and power electronic board rating power, while demand-side management involves a series of battery charging/discharging power scheduling within the evaluation time window. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2024 
Provided To Others? Yes  
URL https://researchdata.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/526
 
Description Engagement with US Office for Naval Research 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Invited to present results on ammonia to US Office for Naval Research, across their key internal stakeholders for funding
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
 
Description Engagement with the Ammonia Energy Association 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Third sector organisations
Results and Impact Invited by AEA to present findings to date and discuss future collaboration with outreach
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021