Abstract
REACTANT tackles the challenges of ammonia combustion, a key technology for a carbon-neutral future in energy, transport, and heating/cooling. While ammonia is promising due to its lack of carbon emissions, its low reactivity and energy density, compared to traditional fossil fuels, pose significant hurdles.
To overcome these challenges, REACTANT combines experimental and computational approaches. CNR-STEMS research group in Naples will conduct experiments on laminar ammonia flames, measuring key parameters like flame speed, temperature, and pollutant formation. This data will be used to validate detailed chemical mechanisms describing ammonia combustion. Poliba will lead the numerical simulations, focusing on turbulent ammonia combustion. Using the experimental data, they will develop a simplified chemical model for use in high-fidelity simulations. These simulations will provide insights into the complex interactions between turbulence and ammonia combustion, particularly NOx formation.
By combining detailed experiments with advanced simulations, REACTANT aims to deepen our understanding of ammonia combustion, paving the way for its widespread adoption as a clean fuel and contributing to a sustainable future.
Objectives and Methodology
REACTANT aims to accelerate the adoption of ammonia as a clean fuel in power generation and transportation. By combining experimental measurements of ammonia flame properties with high-fidelity numerical simulations, the project will deliver:
- Comprehensive datasets: Flame properties measurements across various conditions.
- Validated models: Accurate simulation tools for ammonia combustion systems.
- Kinetic mechanisms: Detailed understanding of ammonia/air chemistry and pollutants formation.
This knowledge will enable the design and optimization of climate-neutral combustion technologies using pure ammonia or ammonia-hydrogen blends, contributing to decarbonization efforts in key sectors like automotive, maritime, and power generation. Ultimately, REACTANT seeks to bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial application of ammonia combustion for a sustainable energy future.
To fulfill these objectives, the overall methodology, is to conduct joint experimental and numerical studies for fundamental ammonia/flame configurations.
The research project has been structured in 1 management work package (WP0) and 2 technical work packages (WP1 and WP2), coordinated by the project PI.