Experimental investigation of the effects of using ammonia on engine performance and exhaust emissions in a diesel engine

In the present study, the effects of ammonia fumigation on the engine performance and exhaust emissions have been investigated in a single cylinder diesel engine. Experiments have been performed for (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) % (by vol) ammonia ratios at (2200, 2600 and 3000) rpms engine speeds and (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10) Nm loads. Here, 25 % ammonium hydroxide solution (25 % ammonia + 75 % water) have been used because this solution can be used very easily in diesel engine. Ammonium hydroxide solution has been injected into intake air by a carburetor, which main nozzle section is adjustable. The test results showed that brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) increases at 2000 and 3000 rpms, but it decreases at 2600 rpm. The maximum reduction of BSFC has been determined as 7,28 % for 5,48 % ammonia ratio at 2600 rpm. Effective efficiency increases at all of the selected engine speeds and loads. However, the increase ratios of effective efficiency at 2600 rpm are higher than that of the other engine speeds. Exhaust emissions have been measured at 2000 rpm for different ammonia ratios and different loads and at 2600 rpm for different ammonia ratios and 6 Nm loads. It has been determined that carbon dioxide reduces at selected two engine speeds. However, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide generally increase. Total fuel cost for used different ammonia ratios becomes lower than that of neat diesel fuel at 2600 rpm. The other selected engine speeds; although total fuel cost decreases in some working conditions, it increases in some operating conditions. The maximum reduction of total fuel cost has been obtained as 8,87 % for 5,48 % ammonia ratio at 2600 rpm.