Optimization of direct-injection ammonia-diesel dual-fuel combustion under low load and higher ammonia energy ratios

Abstract

Ammonia (NH3), as a potential zero-carbon fuel, has garnered significant attention for its application in compression ignition (CI) engines. Due to the low reactivity, ammonia is primarily used as dual fuel in CI engines. Therefore, the decarbonization potential is influenced by the ammonia energy ratio (AER). In this study, experimental research was conducted on expanding the AER at low load conditions in a direct-injection ammonia-diesel dual-fuel engine. The ammonia post-injection strategy was explored and significantly improved the suppression effect of high-concentration ammonia on diesel ignition, which could advance ignition timing and increase the peak heat release rate. As a result, coupled with intake heating, it expanded AER to 86 % at an indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) of 4 bar. This strategy also increased the indicated thermal efficiency (ITE) by 8 % and significantly reduced unburned ammonia emissions. However, the combustion and emission performance was limited by the post-injection ammonia quantity and the injection timing of both diesel and ammonia, especially under high AER conditions.