Executive Summary : | Decarbonization in the automotive and power generation sector is crucial for reducing global warming potential and meeting emission regulations. Hydrogen is a promising clean energy carrier, but challenges such as developing a safe fuel system, resolving backfire problems, and optimizing engine parameters are significant. Ammonia, a low-density hydrogen energy carrier, can overcome these challenges by utilizing it as a fuel for conventional internal combustion engines. However, limited data on the performance of ammonia-fuelled engines and few studies have explored the possibility of fueling an engine with neat ammonia are major challenges. Ammonia can also be used as a secondary fuel with biogas in stationary applications and has an established production/distribution network due to its widespread use in agriculture and industry. Synthesis of ammonia can be performed using renewable energy sources and recent developments in photo-catalysis ensure the production of green ammonia from air and water. The Indian Ministry of Power has introduced grants for green hydrogen and green ammonia producers as part of the Green Hydrogen Policy, aiming to encourage the transition from fossil fuels to green energy. The proposed research aims to develop a flexible spark ignition engine setup suitable for operation with blends of alternate fuels like ammonia, hydrogen, and methane in different proportions. A computational and experimental approach will be adopted to study engine characteristics of ammonia combustion and hydrogen enhanced combustion, considering commercial viability. This work aligns with the national hydrogen energy mission announced by the government of India and aims to contribute positively to the transition. |