The viability of Ammonia in the Automotive sector: Challenges and Opportunities

Ammonia has become an attractive alternative fuel for automotive use because of its high energy density, carbon-free combustion, and possibility of sustainable production. The work examines the viability of ammonia as a fuel for internal combustion engines (ICEs) and fuel cells in automotive applications. Ammonia presents a number of benefits, such as being capable of being produced from renewable energies and having the possibility to diminish reliance on fossil fuels. However, disadvantages such as ammonia's lower energy content per volume, NOx emission possibility, and need for engine adjustment remain significant challenges. The paper covers the combustion characteristics of ammonia and how it behaves in traditional ICEs and in emerging fuel cell technology. It also addresses the necessary infrastructure for the production, storage, and distribution of ammonia to be used in automotive applications. Through comparative testing and comparison with conventional fuels by experimental analysis, the study assesses the environmental impact, efficiency, and overall viability of ammonia as a transportation fuel. The findings highlight the role of ammonia in a sustainable transportation future and suggest how current constraints can be overcome.