Performance and emissions analysis of marine engine using flex-fuel based on methanol and ammonia blends: A simulative investigation toward vehicle decarbonization

Rising global emissions from transportation have heightened the need for alternative fuels. Ammonia, methanol, hydrogen, and other renewable fuels have been tested mostly individually, which doesn’t generate enough power output as per their properties, or with conventional fuels, which lack renewability. There has been limited research on using ammonia and methanol blended fuel in engines. Therefore, this study aims to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive simulative analysis of ammonia-methanol flex-fuel blends for a steady-state genset engine with an experimentally validated GT-power model, positioning them as a 100% renewable fuel option for engines. The study primarily focuses on three characteristics: performance, combustion, and emission, evaluated under different operating conditions involving key parameters such as injection timing, spark timing, and at various blend ratios of both fuels. Results demonstrate that increasing ammonia content in methanol blends leads to moderate performance changes, with slight dips in engine performance parameters like torque and indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP), despite constant energy input. These reductions are minor, ranging from 4% to 16% compared to pure methanol. The most significant benefits are observed in emissions, with CO₂ levels decreasing up to 80%, showcasing ammonia and methanol flex-fuels as potential green alternatives for the future.