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

Vikas Sharma, Angad Panesar, Guillaume de Sercey and Steven Begg ()
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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

Energies, 2024, vol. 18, issue 1, 1-29

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.

Keywords: ammonia; combustion; emissions; spark-ignition engine; hydrogen and methane (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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