Ammonia is a promising energy carrier from several points of view. It is carbon-free and can be burned directly in engines and furnaces. Alternatively, it can be thermally cracked to produce hydrogen. Ammonia (NH3) has a high H2 density, a significant energy density and can be produced on an industrial scale in a highly efficient process. Furthermore, it has an existing extensive distribution network and is easily stored by liquefaction at moderate pressure. There are significant challenges associated with the efficient NH3 utilization in combustion, though. These are mainly related to its relatively low calorific value, its poor ignition and flame stability and the possible increase of NOx emissions when inefficient combustion technologies are be used.
Following the strong interest growing within the SMARTCATS COST Action on the potentials of ammonia in combustion based energy production systems a workshop focused on ammonia combustion has been organized in Lisbon on 13 and 14 of April (before the next European Combustion Meeting).
The workshop has been focused on all the aspects of the use of ammonia as energy carrier. Invited lectures on synthesis, combustion fundamentals and energy demonstration stimulated a very successful and fruitful discussion of the following round tables.
Workshop page with Presentations, Proceedings and Photos