Numerical Analysis of NOₓ Reduction Using Ammonia Injection and Comparison With Water Injection

Abstract

[Abstract] This work analyzes NOₓ reduction in a marine diesel engine using ammonia injection directly into the cylinder and compares this procedure with water injection. A numerical model based on the so-called inert species method was applied. It was verified that ammonia injection can provide almost 80% NOₓ reduction for the conditions analyzed. Furthermore, it was found that the effectiveness of the chemical effect using ammonia is extremely dependent on the injection timing. The optimum NOₓ reduction was obtained when ammonia is injected during the expansion stroke, while the optimum injection timing using water is near top dead center. Chemical, thermal, and dilution effects of both ammonia and water injection were compared. The chemical effect was dominant in the case of ammonia injection. On the other hand, water injection reduces NOₓ through dilution and, more significantly, through a thermal effect.