Tokyo, Japan — Researchers at Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan have recently claimed a breakthrough in advancing ammonia-based alternative-fueled internal-combustion-engine (ICE) technology.
Specifically, researchers claim that they have cracked the problem of burning ammonia by exploring intake port opening conditions that lead to swirling flow in the combustion chamber.
Previously, the main challenge facing the interest in ammonia-burning ICEs was the mixing of air sufficient enough to allow efficient ignition in the combustion chamber. However, despite these challenges, ammonia is seen as a more practical way of delivering hydrogen-based combustion because it doesn’t require special handling such as expensive high-pressure, temperature-controlled storage and transportation.
The researchers at Sophia University—led by Professor Mitsuhisa Ichiyanagi—have been working on designs since 2019 with the goal of creating an engine where ammonia can be the standalone fuel. The team’s research up to this point has focused on developing intake port opening conditions that enhance the mixing of air with fuel inside the engine cylinder for more efficient combustion.
With this recent breakthrough in creating a swirling vortex to help ensure combustion, Ichiyanagi now believes that ammonia-powered ICEs could be a practical alternative to battery-electric vehicles.
“Airflow with cylinders profoundly affects combustion and emissions by influencing the air-fuel mixing phenomenon,” Ichiyanagi said.
“With the aim of burning only ammonium, we have basically investigated the relationship between the engine’s intake system and the flow inside cylinders. The development of ammonia-fueled-engine vehicles is expected to not only reduce carbon dioxide emissions from engines but also contribute to realizing a hydrogen energy society.”
