In South Korea, a MW-class ammonia engine combustion technology was applied under dual-fuel implementation using ammonia and liquefied natural gas (LNG) for higher performance and power.
Research and demonstration of the ammonia engine
A research team led by principal investigator Cheol-Woong Park, of the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), together with the Korean Register, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korea Research Institute of Marine and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) and Kunsan National University, has successfully demonstrated this technology at the KR Certification and Testing Center. This achievement has been possible thanks to the support of the project “Development of a 2,100 horsepower LNG-ammonia co-firing engine” of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
[post_relacionado]This demonstration included high-pressure ammonia injection into the combustion chamber of a marine engine, maintaining stable combustion with high power and thermal efficiency. Ammonia, a carbon-neutral fuel, presents challenges due to its corrosiveness and toxicity, which affects engine power and efficiency. Its high ignition energy and incomplete combustion due to slow burning speed are critical aspects to manage.
To overcome these challenges, the research team modified the O-ring material in the supply system of the dual-fuel engine supply system, preventing LNG and ammonia, preventing corrosion and leaks, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 50%. In addition, they optimized the fuel injection time and the ammonia combustion rate, meeting the high ignition energy requirements.
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Source and photo: KIMM