I’ve talked about using ammonia fuel many times in the past. Ammonia could be a worthy chemical carrier for hydrogen (which is combustible) along with nitrogen (which is not combustible). The only tailpipe emissions from burning ammonia (NH3) would be heat, some water vapor and nitrogen. There could also be a small amount of nitrous oxide (NOX), but it would be less than that which is currently being emitted by most gasoline-powered cars.
In addition, some clean diesel manufacturers include an ammonia tank on the vehicle to clean the exhaust on the way out of the vehicle, reducing its emissions. A company called SilverEagles Energy believe they have come up with a better mousetrap (a method of producing fuel grade ammonia) with the help researchers at the Texas Tech Advanced Vehicle Engineering Laboratory.
SilverEagles Energy is looking for investors to pump $8 million into the company to help them develop their ammonia fuel onsite and on-demand product. What is unique to the SilverEagles Energy approach is the use of ammonia blends that could be used now to cut down on emissions using today’s cars and light pickup trucks.
According to Lubbock Online, “Now, most ammonia is synthesized by the Haber process, named for German scientist Fritz Haber, who developed the process in 1910. It was used for such things as bus fuel in Europe during World War II.
“Ammonia could be used now, instead of ethanol, as an “A-10 — “10 percent” — fuel additive in cars and trucks with no change at all in gas tanks or engines, said Fleming adding flexfuel vehicles could run now on an A-85 fuel blend if a different gas tank were used.
“Ammonia-powered engines would represent a radical departure from what’s under the hood of today’s vehicles. The engine would generate electricity to be sent to the wheels, similar to the propulsion system in today’s hybrids and electric vehicles, rather than using a drivetrain and transmission.
“Because the piston process creates its own electricity, there would be no need for an alternator to power lights and other items. Engines would be air-cooled, eliminating the radiator, as well, Maxwell said.”
So, there you have it, another outside-the-box idea that has the potential to work short-term and long-term as a solution towards lowering emissions while increasing independent from foreign fossil fuel sources. This one small step for mankind, in hindsight could be a major leap.
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