Discovering Ammonia’s Potential as a Fuel
As the world strives to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and make the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, alternative fuels have been at the forefront of innovation. Among these alternatives, ammonia, a common industrial chemical, has been gaining attention as a promising fuel.
In this publication, we will endeavour to explore the various applications and potential uses of ammonia as a fuel, as well as storage modes and distribution options, applications, advantages, disadvantages, combustion challenges and solutions, and future prospects. In addition, some key solutions to the potential challenges in utilising ammonia for practical applications are discussed and addressed.
Facts about the production and use of ammonia
Ammonia (NH3) is a colourless, pungent gas composed of nitrogen and hydrogen used in agriculture, refrigeration and cleaning. It is a chemical that is widely manufactured globally, with more than 75% of production going to agriculture as a fertiliser. Ammonia is gaining prominence due to its potential as a carbon-free fuel, with projects all over the world for energy production and other applications.
Its versatility makes it a promising solution in the alternative fuels scenario, especially due to its compatibility with renewable resources. The many advantages of using ammonia as a clean alternative are highlighted:
- Production flexibility: ammonia can be produced using conventional or renewable resources.
- Storage and transport of hydrogen: it has potential as a means of storing and transporting hydrogen.
- Safety: Transporting ammonia is safer than transporting hydrogen.
- High hydrogen content: in its liquefied form, ammonia contains approximately 48 per cent more hydrogen by volume than pure hydrogen.
- Carbon-free: The use of ammonia results in zero carbon dioxide emissions.
- Versatile applications: It can be used in a wide range of applications, including as a fuel, working fluid, refrigerant, hydrogen carrier, fertiliser, raw material, chemical, cleaning agent and much more.
- Detectability: ammonia’s characteristic odour makes it easy to detect leaks.
- Fuel candidate: It is a strong candidate for use in engines, gas turbines, power generators and burners, requiring relatively minor modifications.
Ammonia as a clean fuel for combustion
Although ammonia has historically had uses in refrigeration systems, in the production of fertilisers, cleaning products and disinfectants, it is now attracting the attention of researchers, scientists, engineers and technologists. This is due to its characteristic of being carbon-free, making it a potential fuel for reducing CO2 emissions. Ammonia can play a crucial role in solving challenges related to the storage, transport and distribution of hydrogen, taking advantage of existing infrastructure.
In the last decade, attempts to utilise ammonia in internal combustion engines and gas turbines have increased considerably. The many important advantages of ammonia as a potential fuel can be listed as follows:
- It contains no carbon and is environmentally benign.
- It has three hydrogen atoms and can potentially be used as a hydrogen carrier.
- Its production, storage, transport and distribution are much easier and less complicated than many other fuels.
- It is cost-effective and economically viable for applications.
- It can be considered a potential substitute for petrol, diesel and paraffin.
- It can be considered for all combustion systems, from engines to gas turbines.
- It could be a potential fuel solution for clean energy production in remote areas.
Challenges of ammonia combustion
It is important to emphasise that ammonia, when used for combustion, has some side effects, just as all medicines have some side effects. These side effects (called challenges) can be listed as follows:
- High ignition temperature
- Low flame speed
- Slow chemical kinetics
Since there are more and more research efforts to minimise the impacts and improve the combustion performance, it is necessary to provide some key solutions to overcome the problems.
In conclusion, the various applications of ammonia as a fuel underline its potential to reshape the energy landscape. As technology and infrastructure continue to advance, ammonia’s role in providing clean and sustainable energy solutions is set to increase.
Adopting ammonia as a fuel source is not only an environmentally responsible choice, but also a step towards reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change. The journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable future includes ammonia as a fuel, demonstrating that even a common chemical compound can hold the promise of a greener tomorrow.
Journal information: Online library Wiley.
Read more: Public Support Hydrogen and Biofuels to Decarbonize Global Shipping.
