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Performance and Emission Optimisation of an Ammonia/Hydrogen Fuelled Linear Joule Engine Generator

Author

Listed:
  • Gen Chen

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK)

  • Ugochukwu Ngwaka

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
    Department of Engineering, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK)

  • Dawei Wu

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK)

  • Mingqiang Li

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK)

Abstract

This paper presents a Linear Joule Engine Generator (LJEG) powered by ammonia and hydrogen co-combustion to tackle decarbonisation in the electrification of transport propulsion systems. A dynamic model of the LJEG, which integrates mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetics sub-models, as well as detailed combustion chemistry analysis for emissions, is presented. The dynamic model is integrated and validated, and the LJEG performance is optimised for improved performance and reduced emissions. At optimal conditions, the engine could generate 1.96 kWe at a thermal efficiency of 34.3% and an electrical efficiency of 91%. It is found that the electromagnetic force of the linear alternator and heat addition from the external combustor and engine valve timing have the most significant influences on performance, whereas the piston stroke has a lesser impact. The impacts of hydrogen ratio, oxygen concentration, inlet pressure, and equivalence ratio of ammonia-air on nitric oxide (NO) formation and reduction are revealed using a detailed chemical kinetic analysis. Results indicated that rich combustion and elevated pressure are beneficial for NO reduction. The rate of production analysis indicates that the equivalence ratio significantly changes the relative contribution among the critical NO formation and reduction reaction pathways.

Suggested Citation

  • Gen Chen & Ugochukwu Ngwaka & Dawei Wu & Mingqiang Li, 2024. "Performance and Emission Optimisation of an Ammonia/Hydrogen Fuelled Linear Joule Engine Generator," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-21, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:6:p:1490-:d:1360897
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Guo, Chendong & Zuo, Zhengxing & Feng, Huihua & Jia, Boru & Roskilly, Tony, 2020. "Review of recent advances of free-piston internal combustion engine linear generator," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 269(C).
    2. Hung, Nguyen Ba & Lim, Ocktaeck, 2016. "A review of free-piston linear engines," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 78-97.
    3. Ryu, Kyunghyun & Zacharakis-Jutz, George E. & Kong, Song-Charng, 2014. "Performance characteristics of compression-ignition engine using high concentration of ammonia mixed with dimethyl ether," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 488-499.
    4. Li, Mingqiang & Ngwaka, Ugochukwu & Moeini Korbekandi, Ramin & Baker, Nick & Wu, Dawei & Tsolakis, Athanasios, 2023. "A closed-loop linear engine generator using inert gases: A performance and exergy study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 281(C).
    5. Ngwaka, Ugochukwu & Jia, Boru & Lawrence, Christopher & Wu, Dawei & Smallbone, Andrew & Roskilly, Anthony Paul, 2019. "The characteristics of a Linear Joule Engine Generator operating on a dry friction principle," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 237(C), pages 49-59.
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