Experimental Investigation on Performance, Emissions and Exergoeconomy of Ammonia–Diesel Fuel in Compression Ignition Engines

Abstract

Despite their advantages, such as high efficiency, high torque output, and high durability, diesel engines have considerable potential for further efficiency gains and emissions reductions. Therefore, this study investigates a conventional compression-ignition engine operating in dual-fuel mode with 10% ammonia by energy. The engine operates at a constant speed of 1500 rpm under two engine loads: 2.5 kW and 5 kW. The results show that the ammonia–diesel dual-fuel operation provides maximum improvements (the percentage improvement is calculated based on w/o NH3): 2.3% in brake thermal efficiency, a 36.5% reduction in CO2 emissions, and 2.3% in exergetic efficiency at 5 kW engine load; however, NOx emissions increase at both engine loads. Furthermore, converting the engine to ammonia–diesel dual-fuel operation with an additional ammonia storage and injection system is an economically feasible option under the operating assumptions considered. The results also show that a small conversion investment resulted in significant economic gains, with a net present value (NPV) of $1624.