Development of an experimental testrig to characterize the ammonia injection process based on momentum flux

Abstract

[ES] Este trabajo se enmarca en el proyecto nacional TED DIGIAMMONIA (Análisis del potencial de un motor de amoníaco y aire enriquecido con oxígeno) que tiene como objetivo analizar el proceso de atomización y mezcla del amoníaco en un motor de encendido por compresión para plantas de energía y de propulsión. La caracterización del proceso de inyección se fundamentará en la medida de cantidad de movimiento del chorro. Para ello se re-diseñará una maqueta experimental que cumpla con los requisitos para poder trabajar con este combustible (que tiene unas propiedades físicas y químicas diferentes a las de un combustible convencional). Esta herramienta experimental permitirá analizar el proceso de la inyección para diferentes presiones de suministro, presiones de cámara y diámetros de toberas.

[EN] This project investigates the potential of ammonia as a sustainable fuel alternative for maritime applications, focusing on the re-design and adaptation of a momentum flux test rig to accommodate ammonia’s properties. The study aims to address global warming by developing clean energy solutions that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). The research involves the analysis of ammonia’s injection characteristics compared to diesel, evaluating its feasibility as a substitute in internal combustion engines (ICEs). Modifications to the test rig, including the adaptation of gaskets, pipes, and the discharge system, were necessary to ensure compatibility with ammonia’s corrosive and toxic properties. The experimental setup proved effective, demonstrating that ammonia can exhibit stable injection characteristics similar to diesel. This study lays the groundwork for further exploration of ammonia dynamics and its potential role in decarbonizing the transport and energy sectors. The results suggest that with appropriate technology, ammonia can replace diesel without significant performance loss, highlighting the importance of continued research and development in this field. Future work will focus on enhancing the test rig’s capabilities, characterizing injector hydraulics, and developing correlation algorithms for injection rates, thereby contributing to the broader goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.