Welcome to BICEF-NH₃

Approach

Our team foresees ICEs fuelled with pure NH₃ without the help of any combustion promoter as the most cost-effective energy bringer.

To prove our vision's reliability and potential, this project will develop a new strategy using ammonia itself as fuel and without the need for a combustion promotor to ensure high temperature and pressure operating conditions for 100% NH₃ combustion.

The project team comprises three main research groups known for their pioneering and leadership within the field of kinetic chemistry (Massachusetts Institute of Technology - MIT), experimental and theoretical combustion (Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon), and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applied to thermochemical systems with a strong focus on uncertainty quantification (Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre).

Main Objectives

This project's main breakthrough will be the proof-of-concept for a fully decarbonized transport system through an ICE fuelled by pure NH₃. The team will develop a first-time high-fidelity CFD model with accurate and detailed kinetic schemes validated under experimental conditions.

To accomplish such high-risk and high-gain breakthrough, this team will explore the following undertakings:

• Develop detailed NH₃ kinetic models.
• Develop high-fidelity CFD NH₃ combustion model coupled with uncertainty quantification including: a) optimal injection design; b) NO_x abatement by inner Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR) targeting low emissions (<100 ppm).
• Experimental data over flame characteristics and ICE operation as a proof-of-concept.

Project Structure

WP1. Project Management

WP2. Concept of Operations

WP3. Detailed chemical kinetic model generation

WP4. NH₃ combustion: A 3-D CFD model

WP5. Experimental study of Flame characterization

WP6. Results Dissemination & Communication

News & Outputs

Research article:
Numerical modelling of ammonia-coal co-firing in a pilot-scale fluidized bed reactor: Influence of ammonia addition for emissions control (Date of publication: January 5, 2022)
The co-firing of coal and NH₃ is a sustainable solution allowing the retrofitting of coal power facilities without major modifications while contributing to global decarbonization goals. However, the use of NH₃ for power generation still presents some research gaps. This study delivers a 2D Eulerian-Lagrangian numerical model describing the co-firing of coal-NH₃ in a pilot-scale fluidized bed reactor. The numerical model is validated against experimental data on coal combustion to assess the accuracy of the model. NH₃ co-firing ratio is varied between 0 and 80% (by mass) and the effect on the combustion process is broadly investigated to determine the impact on heat release, and carbon, NO, and NH₃ emissions. The effect of NH₃ injection position into the reactor and air staging on NO formation is studied. Also, the impact of NH₃ on the reactor temperature distribution and radiative flux is evaluated. Results indicate that NH₃ co-firing delivers CO₂ emissions decrease of up to 26% compared to pure coal firing. For a co-firing fraction of 10% NH₃, NO emissions level was identical to that of coal firing alone, yet between 20 and 80% ratio NO emissions gradually decreased by up to 40%. The NH₃ injection location had a substantial effect on NO emissions, with injection points further downstream the bed surface leading to increased NO concentrations. Air staging also proved to have a dominant effect on NO formation, with a 50% reduction of NO emissions obtained for a 20% air staging alone. Lower gas temperatures and decreased radiative flux were predicted as the NH₃ ratio increased. Given the similar heat transfer rates measured between 10 and 20%, a 20% NH₃ operation would be possible without a detrimental effect on temperature and radiative flux.

J.S. Cardoso, V. Silva, D. Eusébio, L.A.C. Tarelho, M.J. Hall, A.G. Dana. Numerical modelling of ammonia-coal co-firing in a pilot-scale fluidized bed reactor: Influence of ammonia addition for emissions control*. Energy Conversion and Management 254 (2022)* 115226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2022.115226

Conference participation:
The research group will attend the 6th Green & Sustainable Chemistry Conference,this event will take place online on 16-18 November 2021. The group will present our latest work on "Numerical modelling of ammonia-biomass co-combustion in a pilot-scale fluidized bed reactor: Impact of ammonia ratio". (Date of publication: October 27, 2021)
Find more about the programme schedule here: 6th Green & Sustainable Chemistry Conference

Research article:
Small-Scale Biomass Gasification for Green Ammonia Production in Portugal: A Techno-Economic Study (Date of publication: August 24, 2021)
A renewed interest revolves around ammonia through its synthesis via renewable energy sources, promoting green ammonia as a genuine contender and preeminent carbon-free energy carrier within the hydrogen economy. A National Hydrogen Strategy has already been set by the Portuguese Government, focusing on decarbonizing the national industry, while substantially reducing natural gas and fossil fuel-based ammonia imports. This study delivers a techno-economic assessment of a small-scale green ammonia production facility using biomass gasification in mainland Portugal. An improved economic model combining the net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), modified internal rate of return (MIRR), payback period (PBP), and discounted payback period (DPBP) is set to determine the project feasibility. A Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis is implemented to gauge the risks associated with the venture. Several environmental considerations are also addressed concerning the carbon footprint of deploying a biomass-to-ammonia system compared to conventional fossil fuel-based ammonia. Under current market conditions, the power plant is predictably economically feasible with an NPV of 3714 k€, IRR of 24.32%, MIRR of 14.99%, PBP of 4.6 years, and DPBP of 5.8 years. The sensitivity analysis foresees affordable risks for investors, although investment loss is more likely to occur due to NPV failure, being remarkably sensitive to ammonia production and ammonia sales price fluctuations. Finally, the geographic location set for the biomass-to-ammonia power plant has the potential to enable a bioeconomy and circular economy framework for increased renewability and improved productivity, while promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

J.S. Cardoso, V. Silva, J. Chavando, D. Eusébio, M.J. Hall, M. Costa. Small-Scale Biomass Gasification for Green Ammonia Production in Portugal: A Techno-Economic Study. Energy & Fuels 35 (2021) 13847–13862. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.1c01928.

Conference participation:
Our research group attended the conference ANM2021 - 9th International Conference on Hydrogen Energy, at the University of Aveiro, Portugal (22-24 July, 2021) to present our latest work on "Numerical modeling of ammonia-coal co-combustion in a pilot-scale fluidized bed reactor". (Date of publication: July 28, 2021)
Find more about this event here: ANM2021

News:
The Ammonia Energy Association publishes an issue on BICEF-NH₃ recent advancements on pure ammonia combustion in engines (Date of publication: June 1, 2021)

A recent article published by the Ammonia Energy Association mentions the BICEF-NH₃ project and its advancements on pure ammonia combustion in internal combustion engines. Great to have our work recognized by the main international organization promoting the sustainable ammonia economy.
Read all about it here: "Ammonia engine development in Portugal"

Review article:
Ammonia as an energy vector: Current and future prospects for low-carbon fuel applications in internal combustion engines (Date of publication: March 8, 2021)

Ammonia and hydrogen carry great potential as carbon-free fuels with promising applications in energy systems. Hydrogen, in particular, has been generating massive expectations as a carbon-free economy enabler, but issues related to storage, distribution, and infrastructure deployment are delaying its full implementation. Ammonia, on the other hand, stands as a highly efficient energy vector delivering high energy density and an established and flexible infrastructure capable of mitigating hydrogen’s key drawbacks. This mature infrastructure together with the possibility of producing ammonia through renewable energy sources triggered an exploring route to the transition of ammonia as the next sustainable fuel solution for power generation. In this regard, the transportation sector as one of the main culprits for carbon emissions can benefit from ammonia-powered internal combustion engines. However, the use of pure ammonia as fuel still presents important constraints leading researchers to develop strategies such as dual-fuel concepts or novel combustion approaches. Therefore, this review covers these issues by delving into the underpinning mechanisms required for developing pure ammonia combustion in internal combustion engines. To do so, fundamentals, technical, environmental, and economic aspects associated with the use of ammonia as a transportation fuel are broadly addressed. While the emphasis is given to pure ammonia and ammonia fuel blends operation, NO_x emissions control, current challenges related to the detailed and accurate understanding of the ammonia chemistry, and the lack of high-fidelity numerical models are also deeply discussed on their role into aiding the commercial deployment of this technology.

J.S. Cardoso, V. Silva, R.C. Rocha, M.J. Hall, M. Costa, D. Eusébio. Ammonia as an energy vector: Current and future prospects for low-carbon fuel applications in internal combustion engines, Journal of Cleaner Production 296 (2021) 126562. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126562.