I read with interest the developments around using Ammonia as an alternative, cleaner, easier to transport and easier to store energy source. This reminds me of the movie Mad Max, where ammonia from pig’s urine was used as their fuel source.
Since 2004, the Iowa Energy Center has brought together researchers, investors and government officials to set the course for ammonia energy to provide relief from the U.S. reliance on imported petroleum.
Ammonia is molecular compound made up of Nitrogen and Hydrogen, and exists in a trigonal pyramidal shape (as shown in picture). Its chemical formula is NH3. Combined with Carbon Dioxide, it is what we know as urea (the main component in urine). Although Ammonia is found in trace quantities in the atmosphere and ammonium salts are also found in small quantities in rainwater, it is one of the most highly produced inorganic chemicals in the world. There are dozens of chemical plants worldwide which produces ammonia and in 2004, 109 million metric tonnes were produced (28.4% of these were from China alone, 8.2% from the U.S.). However, majority of these ammonia produced is used for fertilizing agricultural crops.
Over the last 5 years, researchers have embarked on a journey to investigate and pave the way towards producing anhydrous ammonia, which is the form that could be used as a fuel. In fact, there are patents on methods of producing ammonia from aqueous urea to be fed into a reactor (energy production). So, what are the benefits of Ammonia as an alternative energy source:
- Lower cost as compared to other fuels (including Hydrogen)
- Sustainable fuel source
- Smaller carbon footprint
- Reduces our reliance on finite fossil resources
- Ammonia can be extracted as a waste from chemical production, hence environmentally green
- Ammonia is liquid at room temperature and hence is much more denser and easier to store and transport. On the other hand, Hydrogen must be cooled to near absolute zero before it liquifies and storage of Hydrogen at room temperature requires a high pressure
However, it is undoubtedly acknowledged and known fact that Ammonia, if exists, in a vapor or gaseous form, is hazardous and toxic. The process of producing ammonia is also rather energy intensive and new methods are still being researched to find a more efficient ways to produce ammonia. In Australia, Wizard Power, has demonstrated a closed loop energy system which uses solar energy to convert hydrogen and nitrogen gas into ammonia which is a feedstock for energy production.
I believe the current goal is to progress towards using ammonia as a duel for electricity generating facilities, instead of relying on traditional fossil fuels. Adoption of ammonia into mainstream use will take many more years to mature and be accepted. One small step forward to help conserve and be nice to the mother Earth.
Tags: Clean Fuel, Efficiency, Energy, Environmental