The major remaining technological challenges for a carbon free and sustainable future are storage and transport of renewable energies. Chemical storage of energy in the form of hydrogen and ammonia is one promising solution for both. In the combustion and diagnostic lab, we look at chemical processes involving these fuels, and how they can be improved. Prospective projects could investigate green ammonia production.
Plasma-assisted combustion
Ammonia combustion is challenging due to its resistance to ignition, low flame speed and high NOx emissions. A plasma discharge creates species that aid stable and clean combustion:
How to produce useful species under engine conditions
NOx and unburnt fuel reduction using plasma
Chemical kinetic mechanisms and modeling of plasma
Catalytic materials and catalysis modeling
Flame and ignition enhancement
And more…
Plasma-enhanced reforming
To retrieve the energy stored in ammonia, it can be dissociated into reforming products in a plasma discharge:
Hydrogen yields
Other stable products for combustion: NOx, ozone
In future: plasma-assisted catalysis – both reforming and production
Hiring
Open positions for MSc and PhD students to work on renewable fuels in the Combustion and Diagnostics Group.
