Analysis of the Application of Ammonia as a Fuel for a Compression-Ignition Engine

Piston engines used for powering automobiles as well as machinery and equipment have traditionally relied on petroleum-derived fuels. Subsequently, renewable fuels began to be used in an effort to reduce the combustion of hydrocarbon-based fuels and the associated greenhouse effect. Researchers are currently developing technologies aimed at eliminating fuels containing carbon in their molecular structure, which would effectively minimize the emission of carbon oxides into the atmosphere. Ammonia is considered a highly promising carbon-free fuel with broad applicability in energy systems. It serves as an excellent hydrogen carrier (NH3), free from many of the storage and transportation limitations associated with pure hydrogen. Safety concerns regarding the storage and transport of hydrogen make ammonia an increasingly important fuel also due to its larger hydrogen storage capacity. This manuscript investigates the use of ammonia for powering a dual-fuel engine. The results indicate that the addition of ammonia improves engine performance; however, it may also lead to an increase in NOx emissions. Due to the limitations of ammonia as a fuel, approximately 40% of the energy input must still be provided by diesel fuel to achieve optimal engine performance and acceptable NOx emission levels. The presented research findings highlight the significant potential of NH3 as an alternative fuel for compression-ignition engines. Proper control of the injection strategy or the adoption of alternative combustion systems may offer a promising approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining satisfactory engine performance parameters.