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Innovative Energy Solutions: Plasma-Assisted Combustion and Ammonia Cracking

Authored by Aravind Balakrishnan, Research Associate, Cardiff University, UK

I am Aravind Balakrishnan, a Research Associate at Cardiff University, UK, working at the Centre for Excellence in Ammonia Technologies (CEAT). My research is dedicated to exploring innovative energy solutions, particularly in the areas of plasma-assisted combustion and ammonia cracking. Plasma-assisted combustion seeks to address flame instabilities in fuel-air mixtures within aero engines through advanced plasma technology. Ammonia cracking focuses on generating hydrogen—a clean and versatile energy carrier—from liquid ammonia. These research areas aim to reduce carbon emissions and combat global warming, aligning closely with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7: ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all.

Energy sources can be broadly categorised into fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, and renewable energy options, including wind, solar, and tidal power. Currently, fossil fuels dominate global energy usage across heating, electricity, and transportation. However, they are finite, environmentally damaging, and major contributors to climate change and air pollution. Renewable energy offers a sustainable alternative, yet challenges remain in terms of cost and reliability. For example, solar power is limited by the availability of sunlight, and the high installation costs of renewable technologies often pose financial barriers for widespread adoption.

Plasma-Assisted Combustion: A Bridge to Sustainable Energy

As societies transition toward renewable energy, improving the efficiency of fossil fuel use is essential in the interim. Combustion, the process of producing heat through fuel burning, can benefit significantly from plasma technology. Plasma, a high-energy state of matter, enhances combustion efficiency by stabilising flames with minimal fuel input. Plasma-assisted flames leverage electricity to create plasma, enabling cleaner and more efficient energy production. This approach represents a promising bridge technology to support sustainable energy goals while renewable systems continue to develop.

Plasma-assisted combustion is a relatively new field with immense potential to address modern energy challenges. Ongoing research focuses on optimising its use in engines, addressing safety concerns, and improving performance under varying conditions. This technology not only reduces fuel consumption and emissions but also supports the goals of SDG 7 by promoting sustainable energy practices. Furthermore, plasma technology is compatible with alternative fuels like hydrogen, biofuels, and synthetic fuels, expediting the transition to greener energy systems and a more sustainable future.

The Emerging Role of Ammonia as a Fuel

Ammonia, traditionally known as a fertiliser, is now being recognised as a promising energy source. It can be burned in engines or used in fuel cells to produce electricity. A report by the Royal Society highlights ammonia's potential to form the foundation of a global renewable energy storage and distribution network. Its appeal lies in its ability to combust without releasing carbon dioxide, its capacity for synthesis using renewable energy, and its ease of storage and transportation as a bulk liquid. These properties make ammonia an attractive solution for various industries worldwide and position it as a versatile compound capable of enabling other carbonfree energy technologies.

In addition to its use in combustion systems, ammonia can be "cracked" into nitrogen and hydrogen, with the latter serving as a clean energy source. Hydrogen, when consumed in fuel cells, produces only water, making it an ideal option for applications like transportation, electricity generation, and portable power solutions in vehicles, homes, and devices. This dual functionality makes ammonia a pivotal player in the shift toward sustainable energy.

The past five years have seen significant advancements in the use of ammonia for small-scale power systems, driven by innovative technologies. However, challenges persist in scaling its application to medium- and large-scale power generation. Further research and development are needed to unlock the full potential of ammonia’s hydrogen content and establish it as a reliable and sustainable energy source for global use.

By addressing these challenges, both plasma-assisted combustion and ammonia cracking can serve as transformative technologies, accelerating progress toward cleaner energy systems and a sustainable future.