Cold-start performance of an ammonia-fueled spark ignition engine with an on-board fuel reformer. (21st July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koike, Makoto; Suzuoki, Tetsunori; Takeuchi, Tadashi; Homma, Takayuki; Hariu, Satoshi; Takeuchi, Yoshitaka
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 50(2021)
• Page Start: 25689
• Page End: 25698
• Publication Date: 2021-07-21
• Subjects: Ammonia -- Hydrogen -- Reciprocating engine -- Cold start -- Emission -- Adsorption; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.05.052
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: This work demonstrated the first-ever cold-start operation of an ammonia (NH3 )-fueled four-cylinder spark ignition engine with an on-board fuel reformer, applying autothermal reforming. In this system, an electrically heated NH3 -air mixture was provided to a reforming catalyst and approximately 3 s was found to elapse between the start of engine rotation and the onset of combustion. Stable fast idle operation in conjunction with a cold start was realized with a H2 -to-NH3 molar ratio of 2:1. Nearly zero NH3 emissions were achieved during cold start and fast idle until the engine warmed up, by adsorbing unburned NH3 passing through a three-way catalyst before the catalyst was sufficiently warmed up. The NH3 adsorption capacity of this system could be regenerated during the engine warm-up when the engine was running under lean conditions. Highlights: An NH3 -fueled engine system with a reformer demonstrated successful cold starts. Autothermal reforming produced H2 at a sufficient rate to initiate combustion. An ammonia adsorber captured all unburned NH3 passing through a three-way catalyst. Regeneration of the adsorber was possible with lean operation without NH3 leakage.