China
has unveiled the world's first ammonia-powered automobile engine, offering a
new energy solution that reduces carbon emissions in the transportation
industry.
Guangzhou
Automobile Group Co., a Chinese company, has managed to overcome the challenges
associated with the rapid combustion of ammonia and has found a way to use this
fuel in the passenger car industry.
At an
annual technology presentation, the company unveiled its ammonia engine, along
with other groundbreaking projects including a flying car called the Gove,
similar to a large drone, and a Trumpchi minivan powered by hydrogen hybrid
propulsion, an alternative fuel system that is promoted by its Japanese
partner, Toyota Motor Corp.
Ammonia
as fuel
Ammonia
is being explored as a carbon-free fuel, but it poses challenges due to its low
flammability and high nitrogen oxide emissions.
However,
GAC has developed a 2-liter displacement engine that can burn liquid ammonia
more efficiently and safely, achieving a power of 120 kilowatts (163 hp) and a
90% reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional fuels.
Until
now, research on the use of ammonia as an alternative fuel has mainly focused
on trucks and ships, as those industries have been better equipped to handle
this toxic substance.
The
necessary safety protocols and systems are already in place in the commercial transportation
industry, where ammonia is used on a large scale as a raw material for the
manufacture of fertilizers.
"We
have overcome the problem that ammonia is difficult to burn quickly and have
put the fuel to use in the passenger car industry," Qi Hongzhong of GAC's
research and development center told reporters. "Its value for society and
for commercial uses is worth anticipating."
The
ammonia engine
Although
the development of this ammonia engine is a significant advance, doubts remain
about its feasibility in passenger cars due to the difficulty in driving it and
the lack of refueling infrastructure.
Most
automakers are focusing their efforts on electrification, and hydrogen fuel
cell technology, largely promoted by the Japanese government, isn't generating
much interest elsewhere.
According
to Colin McKerracher, head of automotive and transportation research at
BloombergNEF, "ammonia is extremely difficult to handle" and does not
appear to have a promising future in passenger cars.
Despite the challenges,
the development of ammonia engines like this demonstrates the ongoing effort to
find cleaner and more sustainable alternatives in the transportation industry,
which can open new doors to a greener future.
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