Ammonia, fuel of the future: By Eric Koons
Electric cars have some major issues. The range is limited, the batteries can catch fire and are nearly impossible to extinguish. Recharging takes a significant amount of time. Recycling the batteries is also very expensive. The lithium battery materials pollute the envirnoent and the motors themselves also require significant amounts of rare earths which are single sourced from China. Electric vehicles also are adversely affected by heat and cold.
Hydrogen internal combustion and hydrogen fuel cells were evaluated but safe hydrogen storage requires the use of azeotropes or hot glass spheres and still have issues with refueling..The hydrogen is typically produced from natural gas and that process produces CO2 so there really is little advantage.
Vehicles running on natural gas has been done for many years and is relatively cheap and clean but refueling is lengthy as it must be pressurized to over 3000 psi. The gas also takes up a significant volume.
Ammonia fuel is gaining significant attention as a potential alternative to fossil fuels, with much debate surrounding the advantages and disadvantages of ammonia fuel. Ammonia fuel acts as an energy carrier similar to hydrogen but has several unique properties. This makes it a versatile energy source for various applications, including energy storage and transportation.
Ammonia fuel will account for 4% of global ammonia demand by 2030 and 29% in 2050.
Advantages of ammonia fuel.
1. Ammonia Can Be Carbon Dioxide Free
Ammonia can be carbon free. It is an energy carrier and does not release carbon dioxide when burned. Ammonia fuel cells and ammonia combustion engines release only nitrogen and water vapour, eliminating direct CO2 emissions.
As an energy carrier, it stores a portion of the input energy from its production. When the input energy comes from a CO2-free source, like renewable energy, ammonia will also be carbon free. Carbon-free ammonia is known as green ammonia.
2. High Energy Density
Ammonia has a high energy density, enabling efficient energy storage and transportation. It requires one half the volume of hydrogen storage.
3. Easier Storage Requirements
Ammonia offers more favourable storage properties than other energy carriers like hydrogen. Ammonia requires modest pressure and a manageable temperature of -33°C for storage.
4. Promotes Renewable Energy Adoption and Not Fossil Fuels
Green ammonia integrates into renewable energy systems and fills several existing gaps. It can act as an efficient long-term storage medium for renewables, which are inherently dependent on weather conditions – making them intermittent.
It is also produced using renewable energy instead of fossil fuels like natural gas, driving up demand for renewables and increasing incentives for developing renewable power facilities. This dual role helps promote the energy transition and makes the widespread adoption of renewables more seamless.
5. Leveraging Existing Transport and Storage Infrastructure
Ammonia transport and storage infrastructure already exists for fertiliser production. Leveraging this existing infrastructure and supply chain allows for easier integration of ammonia fuel into the energy sector.
The current industrial method for producing ammonia, the Haber-Bosch process, relies on high temperatures and pressures, and uses hydrogen derived from fossil fuels, leading to significant carbon dioxide emissions.
The Solution:
The Weizmann Institute researchers have developed a new electrocatalytic process that uses a tri-iron substituted polyoxotungstate catalyst ({SiFe3W9}) in the presence of lithium or sodium cations to convert molecular nitrogen and water into ammonia.
How it Works:
The catalyst, {SiFe3W9}, is used in conjunction with lithium or sodium cations to facilitate the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrogen to ammonia.
Water acts as both a proton and electron donor in the process.
The process occurs at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.
Benefits:
Sustainability: This method eliminates the need for hydrogen derived from fossil fuels, potentially leading to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly ammonia production process.
Decentralization: The process could be scaled down and potentially used on-site, for example, at farms, reducing the need for large, centralized ammonia production facilities.
Potential for renewable energy: The process could be powered by renewable energy sources, further enhancing its sustainability.
Further Research:
The researchers are now investigating whether the process could be scaled up and the ammonia concentrated sufficiently for commercial application.
What Are the Disadvantages of Ammonia Fuel?
The top disadvantage of ammonia fuel is toxicity.
Ammonia is a toxic substance and poses serious health hazards. High concentrations can cause severe burns and blindness, while long-term exposure at lower levels can lead to chronic respiratory problems.
This poses challenges in terms of ensuring worker safety and preventing accidental releases. However, proper safety measures and regulations can effectively mitigate the risks associated with handling ammonia.
Hydrogen internal combustion and hydrogen fuel cells were evaluated but safe hydrogen storage requires the use of azeotropes or hot glass spheres and still have issues with refueling..The hydrogen is typically produced from natural gas and that process produces CO2 so there really is little advantage.
Vehicles running on natural gas has been done for many years and is relatively cheap and clean but refueling is lengthy as it must be pressurized to over 3000 psi. The gas also takes up a significant volume.
Ammonia fuel is gaining significant attention as a potential alternative to fossil fuels, with much debate surrounding the advantages and disadvantages of ammonia fuel. Ammonia fuel acts as an energy carrier similar to hydrogen but has several unique properties. This makes it a versatile energy source for various applications, including energy storage and transportation.
Ammonia fuel will account for 4% of global ammonia demand by 2030 and 29% in 2050.
Advantages of ammonia fuel.
1. Ammonia Can Be Carbon Dioxide Free
Ammonia can be carbon free. It is an energy carrier and does not release carbon dioxide when burned. Ammonia fuel cells and ammonia combustion engines release only nitrogen and water vapour, eliminating direct CO2 emissions.
As an energy carrier, it stores a portion of the input energy from its production. When the input energy comes from a CO2-free source, like renewable energy, ammonia will also be carbon free. Carbon-free ammonia is known as green ammonia.
2. High Energy Density
Ammonia has a high energy density, enabling efficient energy storage and transportation. It requires one half the volume of hydrogen storage.
3. Easier Storage Requirements
Ammonia offers more favourable storage properties than other energy carriers like hydrogen. Ammonia requires modest pressure and a manageable temperature of -33°C for storage.
4. Promotes Renewable Energy Adoption and Not Fossil Fuels
Green ammonia integrates into renewable energy systems and fills several existing gaps. It can act as an efficient long-term storage medium for renewables, which are inherently dependent on weather conditions – making them intermittent.
It is also produced using renewable energy instead of fossil fuels like natural gas, driving up demand for renewables and increasing incentives for developing renewable power facilities. This dual role helps promote the energy transition and makes the widespread adoption of renewables more seamless.
5. Leveraging Existing Transport and Storage Infrastructure
Ammonia transport and storage infrastructure already exists for fertiliser production. Leveraging this existing infrastructure and supply chain allows for easier integration of ammonia fuel into the energy sector.
The current industrial method for producing ammonia, the Haber-Bosch process, relies on high temperatures and pressures, and uses hydrogen derived from fossil fuels, leading to significant carbon dioxide emissions.
The Solution:
The Weizmann Institute researchers have developed a new electrocatalytic process that uses a tri-iron substituted polyoxotungstate catalyst ({SiFe3W9}) in the presence of lithium or sodium cations to convert molecular nitrogen and water into ammonia.
How it Works:
The catalyst, {SiFe3W9}, is used in conjunction with lithium or sodium cations to facilitate the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrogen to ammonia.
Water acts as both a proton and electron donor in the process.
The process occurs at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.
Benefits:
Sustainability: This method eliminates the need for hydrogen derived from fossil fuels, potentially leading to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly ammonia production process.
Decentralization: The process could be scaled down and potentially used on-site, for example, at farms, reducing the need for large, centralized ammonia production facilities.
Potential for renewable energy: The process could be powered by renewable energy sources, further enhancing its sustainability.
Further Research:
The researchers are now investigating whether the process could be scaled up and the ammonia concentrated sufficiently for commercial application.
What Are the Disadvantages of Ammonia Fuel?
The top disadvantage of ammonia fuel is toxicity.
Ammonia is a toxic substance and poses serious health hazards. High concentrations can cause severe burns and blindness, while long-term exposure at lower levels can lead to chronic respiratory problems.
This poses challenges in terms of ensuring worker safety and preventing accidental releases. However, proper safety measures and regulations can effectively mitigate the risks associated with handling ammonia.
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