Synergies between alternative fuels and after treatment systems for emissions control - a simulation study

Wang, Fengzhe (2024). Synergies between alternative fuels and after treatment systems for emissions control - a simulation study. University of Birmingham. M.Sc.

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Abstract

Global warming is a growing issue, which countries and regions are tackling by the development of policies and technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One of the key initiatives is the promotion of Net-Zero emission solutions. The use of zero carbon (e.g. hydrogen (H2), ammonia (NH3)) and carbon neutral (e.g. electrofuels) alternative fuels can contribute to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while any unintended environmental impacts such as worsening of air quality due to local pollutants should be avoided. One of the main pollutants is nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are a major cause of air pollution and respiratory diseases. One of the most effective pathways to reduce NOx emissions is to use selective catalytic reduction (SCR) after treatment solutions. SCR commonly uses ammonia (NH3) to convert NOx into harmless nitrogen gas, while there other types of SCR which also uses H2 to reduce NOx. However, the efficiency of these after treatment systems is influenced by a number of factors, including emissions derived from different fuel types, combustion conditions and after treatment catalysts. In particular, emissions from the combustion process can affect the selectivity of SCR catalysts, leading to the generation of unwanted by-products such as nitrous oxide (N2O) and ammonia slippage. Therefore, it is crucial to study the synergy of alternative fuels and after treatment systems. Based on the AVL Cruise M software, an after-treatment system model and an alternative fuel engine model is built. Through simulation under pure gasoline exhaust conditions, the ability of after treatment components to convert pollutants was studied; and by changing the fuel in the alternative fuel engine model, the impact of zero-carbon fuels (H2 and NH3), on engine emissions is analysed.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Sc.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Sc.

Supervisor(s):