Objectives

The HiPowAR project employs six specific aims to develop a breakthrough technology in the direct energy conversion from NH3 fuel to power, thereby ensuring sustainable and zero-carbon emission energy production.

Objective 1: Development of suitable membranes

MIEC membranes suited for NH3 combustion will be developed. Different MIEC materials will be tested regarding O2 flux and stability at high outside pressures and temperatures in atmospheres consisting of steam with N2. Further, a membrane geometry with internal redirection of feed gas flow will be contrived as tubular membranes used are closed at one end.

Objective 2: Compact power production

A test rig for internal pressurized NH3 combustion with power generation will be designed, installed and experimentally characterized. The membrane reactor will be adjusted for combustion of liquid NH3 at a pressure of at least 50 bar. Power production is characterized for different kinds and amounts of MIEC membranes at varying operational conditions. Critical technical details for a realization of commercial devices will be identified.

Objective 3: Optimization and evaluation of NH3 pressurized flameless combustion.

O2 flux simulation model for MIEC membranes used will be refined and adjusted to experimental data of NH3 flameless combustion. A simulation model for prediction of NH3 conversion rate, power output and system performance has to be developed to identify the prospective potential regarding power output and economic competitiveness.

Objective 4: Modelling and simulation of system key components and optimization of the system layout

The analysis will develop the optimized configuration of the HiPowAR system in view of its implementation in full scale units, focusing both on stationary applications (MW-scale) as well as on mobile applications (100 kW-scale). This objective requires the development and application of specific simulation tools for all plant components to solve the system mass and energy balances while considering efficiency and cost optimization.

Objective 5: Assessment of the economic feasibility and competitiveness

The potential of the HiPowAR technology will be compared to solid oxide fuel cell and conventional internal combustion engines. Therefore, a cost estimation will be made for CAPEX and OPEX of HiPowAR devices with varying power output.

Objective 6: Assessment of the environmental impact

Environmental impact of HiPowAR process is assessed using experimental data and models developed. Risks connected to the use of ammonia (either pure or from urea) will be also addressed. Compared to the conventional route of sustainable NH3 production and utilization in a SOFC, a significant decrease of primary energy demand is estimated entailed by lower utilization of resources. Since HiPowAR realizes an ultra-wet combustion1 of ammonia together with long dwell times, a lowering of NOX emissions is expected already without SCR catalysts.

Objective 7: Disseminate and exploit HiPowAR outcomes

HiPowAR will target stakeholders and the general public with the evidence gained to raise awareness for renewable ammonia as a carbon-free renewable fuel. In its dissemination activities, HiPowAR will fully exploit the integration of all partners and the inclusion of industry and scientific networks such as Hydrogen Europe, the network of maritime industry supplier (MariCoNet), among others.