Session: 08-01: Poster Session

Paper Number: 147827

147827 - Dual-Fuel Diesel/ammonia Combustion in a 4-Stroke Medium-Duty Diesel Engine Relevant for Marine Applications 

Abstract: 

Low-lifecycle-carbon fuels can significantly accelerate decarbonization and “cleaner” operations by displacing petroleum-based fuel consumption in marine vessels used in both inland and coastal applications as well as ocean-going vessels. Unlike most fuels, ammonia can be produced and consumed without generating any CO₂. Ammonia is attractive as a hydrogen carrier and as a fuel because it has a much higher volumetric energy density compared to gaseous or liquid hydrogen, making it easier to store and transport without requiring high pressures (>20.0 bar) or cryogenic temperatures. Ammonia has significant toxicity concerns, but safe handling procedures are established due to ammonia being one of the most widely produced chemicals worldwide for use as a fertilizer. Commercial marine applications are a good fit for safe use of ammonia, as fueling operations can be limited to trained personnel.

Barriers to consuming ammonia as a fuel in engines include 1) less favorable combustion properties compared to conventional fuels (e.g., diesel fuel and gasoline) including ignition and flame speed, 2) engine component and lubricating oil compatibility, and 3) fuel delivery and handling challenges. This work is targeted at overcoming barriers 1 and 2. While ammonia has been used to fuel engines in limited demonstration projects, there are many issues that need to be addressed.

This work summarizes work in progress for high-load, high ammonia replacement for diesel-ignited dual-fuel ammonia combustion using a modified 6.7L Cummins ISB single-cylinder research engine allowing for port-fuel injection with ammonia. Results for unburned ammonia along with NO, NO2, N2O emissions are presented.  

Presenting Author: Daanish Tyrewala Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Daanish Tyrewala is a post-doctorial research fellow in the Fuel Science and Engine Technologies Research Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Daanish earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Energy Analysis and Policy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2024. His doctoral research focused on exploring the use of low lifecycle-carbon fuels such as methane, hydrogen, and ammonia for advanced dual-fuel combustion through experimental and chemical kinetic methods.

Authors:

Daanish Tyrewala Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Scott Curran Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Brian Kaul Oak Ridge National Laboratory