Authors

Z. Li, T. Tietz, L. Plum, A. Lampkowski, S. Pischinger, Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems,  RWTH Aachen University; A. Boberic, T. Körfer, J. Yadav, B. Jagodzinski, B. Franzke, M. Thewes, FEV, Aachen

Year

2026

Print Info

Production/Publication ÖVK

Summary

The cost-efficient decarbonization of commercial propulsion systems represents a significant technical challenge for the transport industry globally. A potential option in this context is the substitution of diesel fuel with ammonia, which offers comparatively simple storability for a carbon-free energy carrier.
In this study, an ammonia combustion process was evaluated experimentally on a modern 2.13 L single cylinder research engine derived from a diesel platform. At rated power, stable and efficient operation was achieved at a compression ratio of 23:1 with an ammonia energy share exceeding 98 %, reaching indicated efficiencies close to 50 %. A three-dimensional CFD model was calibrated using the obtained experimental data, enabling an accurate reproduction of the in-cylinder processes. The validated model was subsequently employed to investigate the influence of the diesel pilot quantity on the start of combustion and flame propagation, as well as the potential impact of an increased compression ratio on thermal efficiency. The developed combustion system offers a short-term solution to increase the use of climate-neutral energy carriers. Furthermore, dedicated hardware adaptations allow for additional improvements in efficiency and emission behavior, which can be transferred to existing applications with manageable effort.

ISBN

978-3-9504969-5-6

DOI

https://doi.org/10.62626/skm6-p4s6 Copy link

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