In connection with the desire to increasingly use green hydrogen as a substitute for fossil fuels in the future, ammonia is becoming increasingly important, as ammonia is much more suitable for mobile applications than hydrogen. This is particularly true for shipping.
Today the first project to investigate the process with direct injection of ammonia in large engines starts at the Thermodynamics Institute. Since ammonia is difficult to ignite and has only low flame velocities, an ignitable liquid fuel is used for the pilot phase.
Within the scope of the project (1) experimental investigations are to be carried out on the large Rapid Compression Machine of the Institute and (2) a numerical method is to be developed which is suitable for use in the industrial development process. Based on this work, the partners in the consortium will develop a suitable injection system for the motor case, which will be tested in engine tests.
The project is carried out by Valentin Scharl (experiments) and Utkarsh Pathak (modelling). We wish both of them much success in their research work.
In mid 2021, another project is scheduled to be added, which will broaden the focus of the first project in terms of content. This will make it possible to strengthen the team with a third doctoral student.