KIMM and Hyundai Motor/Kia’s Electrification Engineering Center have developed the world’s first 2-liter ammonia-fueled engine. This engine can directly inject ammonia into the combustion chamber at high pressure and is a renewable, zero-carbon energy source. It could be used in vehicles, ships, aircraft, and industrial power generators.
This new engine uses high-pressure liquid injection to overcome issues with gaseous ammonia fuels, such as unstable power and harmful emissions. Pure ammonia achieves top-notch output without extra combustion devices or additives.
The research team improved the ignition system and optimized fuel injection and valve timing. They also created a system to minimize nitrogen oxides (NOx) and unburnt ammonia emissions. These improvements significantly boost thermal efficiency and power while cutting harmful emissions, showing ammonia’s potential as an efficient fuel for various uses.
Principal researcher Dr. Cheolwoong Park of KIMM emphasized, “This innovation represents a groundbreaking improvement over conventional ammonia engine technologies, introducing a new concept in power systems.”
He highlighted its potential to transform mobility power sources and industrial power generation, particularly clean hydrogen energy.
Principal researcher Dr. Seungwoo Lee of Hyundai Motor and Kia stated, “This engine technology could serve as a breakthrough in addressing the challenges of hydrogen transportation and green hydrogen production, establishing ammonia as a new clean fuel-based power solution.”