Ammonia as an alternative fuel to internal combustion engines

Abstract

The article presents a broad review of the current knowledge on the potential of using ammonia as a fuel for internal combustion engines. A critical physicochemical and functional properties analysis of ammonia was carried out regarding fuel for internal combustion engines. Challenges related to the problems of creating a mixture and the combustion process of ammonia in both SI and CI engines were described. It was indicated that using an admixture of small amounts of fuels to ammonia to act as combustion promoters was necessary. Attention was drawn to the problems related to the exhaust emissions that occur when using ammonia or ammonia with an admixture of other fuels to power engines. The adverse effect of ammonia combustion products and ammonia itself on the lubricating engine oil was also discussed. The need to develop dedicated lubricating oils for internal combustion engines fueled with ammonia was explained.