Chinese state-owned manufacturer GAC has revealed a prototype internal combustion engine (ICE) that runs on liquid ammonia. Developed in collaboration with Toyota, this innovative engine presents a compelling alternative to traditional fossil fuels and even electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
At their annual technology presentation, GAC showcased the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, which produces 161 horsepower while emitting 90% less carbon dioxide compared to conventional petrol engines. This engine marks a notable advancement in the automotive industry, as it is the first of its kind proposed for use in passenger cars.
“We’ve overcome the pain point of ammonia being difficult to burn quickly and put the fuel to use in the passenger car industry,” said Qi Hongzhong, an engineer at the GAC R&D centre in Guangzhou. “Its value to society and for commercial uses are worth anticipating.”
The Science Behind Ammonia Engines
Ammonia (NH₃), composed of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms, is primarily known for its use as a fertilizer. Its potential as a fuel lies in its combustible properties and the fact that it emits no carbon, hydrocarbons, or CO₂ when burned. However, ammonia’s energy density is approximately half that of petrol, at 3.6kWh per litre.
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Two main types of ammonia engines exist: spark-ignition and compression-ignition engines. Spark-ignition engines operate similarly to gasoline engines, using a spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture. Compression-ignition engines, on the other hand, rely on compression to raise the temperature of the fuel-air mixture to the point of spontaneous ignition.
While the concept of using ammonia as a fuel is not new, GAC and Toyota’s prototype addresses several significant hurdles. Traditional ammonia engines have struggled with excess nitrogen emissions and increased combustion pressure. GAC claims to have resolved these issues, making the fuel viable for passenger vehicles.
Despite these advancements, some experts remain skeptical about the feasibility of ammonia as a mainstream fuel for passenger cars. Colin McKerracher, an analyst at BloombergNEF, expressed doubts: “Ammonia is hellish to handle. I can’t see it taking off in passenger cars.”
Ammonia is highly toxic and corrosive, posing substantial risks in handling and storage. Its use has been primarily confined to industries experienced in managing hazardous substances, such as maritime and haulage sectors. However, recent developments in producing “green” ammonia using renewable energy sources have sparked renewed interest in its potential for reducing carbon emissions.
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GAC’s ammonia engine emits almost no CO₂, but it does produce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and unburned ammonia, which are harmful pollutants. Addressing these emissions is crucial for the technology’s success in meeting stringent environmental regulations.
Despite the challenges, the successful development of an ammonia-powered engine for passenger cars represents a significant step towards alternative, sustainable fuels. Ammonia’s high energy density makes it suitable for sectors where energy storage and transportation efficiency are critical.
GAC and Toyota’s collaboration could pave the way for broader adoption of ammonia as a fuel. However, widespread acceptance will require overcoming technical, economic, and safety hurdles. As the automotive industry continues to seek solutions to reduce carbon footprints, innovations like the ammonia engine highlight the diverse approaches being explored.
During the presentation, engineers from both companies shared insights into the engine’s development. A GAC engineer remarked, “We’ve made significant strides in addressing the challenges posed by ammonia combustion. The potential environmental benefits are substantial, and we’re excited about the future applications.”
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A Toyota representative added, “This partnership with GAC is part of our broader strategy to explore diverse solutions for sustainable transportation. While there are hurdles to overcome, the progress made so far is encouraging.”
Industry reactions to the unveiling of the ammonia engine have been mixed. Qi Hongzhong remains optimistic about the engine’s potential. “The engineering challenges were significant, but the payoff for society and commercial applications is immense,” he said.
Conversely, McKerracher’s caution underscores the skepticism within the industry. “Handling ammonia safely in a passenger car environment is a massive challenge,” he noted. “It’s not just about making it work technically, but also ensuring it can be done safely and economically.”
The introduction of the ammonia-powered engine by GAC and Toyota marks a bold step in the quest for sustainable automotive technologies. While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, the potential benefits of reducing carbon emissions and advancing alternative fuels cannot be understated. The automotive industry will be watching closely as this innovative technology evolves and its practical applications unfold.