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A Review of Ammonia Combustion and Emissions Characteristics in Spark-Ignition Engines and Future Road Map

Author

Listed:
  • Vikas Sharma

    (Advanced Engineering Centre, School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, University of Brighton, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK)

  • Angad Panesar

    (Advanced Engineering Centre, School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, University of Brighton, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK)

  • Guillaume de Sercey

    (Advanced Engineering Centre, School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, University of Brighton, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK)

  • Steven Begg

    (Advanced Engineering Centre, School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, University of Brighton, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK)

Abstract

Ammonia (NH 3 ) is gaining recognition as a viable “green” transportation fuel due to its zero-carbon characteristic, its high energy density and its widespread availability. However, NH 3 has a high auto-ignition temperature, resulting in potential emissions of NO x and unburned NH 3 . Addressing combustion challenges requires innovative solutions, such as the application of combustion promoters to enhance NH 3 combustibility. This review article focuses on the compatibility of NH 3 as a fuel for spark-ignition (SI) engines, examining its combustion under various modes including pure NH 3 combustion, gasoline blends, NH 3 /hydrogen (H 2 ) blends, and NH 3 /natural gas blends in single or dual-fuel configurations. The formation of nitrogen oxides (NO x ) and slip-NH 3 is explored to understand emissions species such as NO and N 2 O. Additionally, the article highlights the limitations of NH 3 as a fuel for SI combustion. The comprehensive discussion provided in this review aims to fill a critical gap in the literature regarding NH 3 ’s feasibility as a zero-carbon fuel for SI engines, particularly in the maritime sector. By offering insights into NH 3 combustion characteristics and emissions profiles, the article seeks to provide a roadmap for leveraging NH 3 as a suitable non-carbon fuel to decarbonize the marine sector and advance global sustainability goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Vikas Sharma & Angad Panesar & Guillaume de Sercey & Steven Begg, 2024. "A Review of Ammonia Combustion and Emissions Characteristics in Spark-Ignition Engines and Future Road Map," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-29, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2024:i:1:p:41-:d:1553681
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Mashruk, Syed & Kovaleva, Marina & Alnasif, Ali & Chong, Cheng Tung & Hayakawa, Akihiro & Okafor, Ekenechukwu C. & Valera-Medina, Agustin, 2022. "Nitrogen oxide emissions analyses in ammonia/hydrogen/air premixed swirling flames," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).
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    4. Ryu, Kyunghyun & Zacharakis-Jutz, George E. & Kong, Song-Charng, 2014. "Effects of gaseous ammonia direct injection on performance characteristics of a spark-ignition engine," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 116(C), pages 206-215.
    5. Liu, Shang & Lin, Zhelong & Qi, Yunliang & Wang, Zhi & Yang, Dongsheng & Lu, Guoxiang & Wang, Bo, 2024. "Combustion and emission characteristics of a spark ignition engine fueled with ammonia/gasoline and pure ammonia," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 369(C).
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