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New study highlights feasibility and optimization of ammonia-based power generation for carbon neutrality

Date:
September 8, 2023
Source:
Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)
Summary:
A research team has evaluated the feasibility of ammonia-based power generation through techno-economic and carbon footprint analyses.
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Ammonia is emerging as a promising energy source to achieve carbon neutrality due to its inherent carbon-free nature. A recent study, led by Professor Hankwon Lim in the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering and the Graduate School of Carbon Neutrality at UNIST, has evaluated the feasibility of ammonia-based power generation through techno-economic and carbon footprint analyses. The research focuses on an integrated system combining ammonia decomposition and phosphoric acid fuel cells.

The study, conducted using a commercial process simulator, unveils significant findings regarding the efficiency and economic viability of utilizing ammonia in power generation systems. Results indicate an impressive energy efficiency rate of 46.7% within the designed power generation process.

Through comprehensive economic analysis, the research team identified an upper limit for ammonia pricing at 421.3 $ tNH3-1 that allows competitive pricing against industrial electricity rates -- a crucial factor in determining market competitiveness.

To further optimize ammonia imports into the Republic of Korea (KOR), five distinct scenarios were established based on historical data from the top ten exporting countries. Using the Monte Carlo method for ammonia production costs and carbon dioxide emissions in each nation, researchers optimized import quantities while minimizing overall emissions.

The results demonstrate that if solely reliant on carbon-based ammonia imports, carbon intensity ranges between 0.707-0.736 kgCO2-eq kWh−1 -- exceeding KOR's average value over a 20-year period. However, achieving a ratio of over 78% of carbon-neutral ammonia (Scenario 4) can make both environmental and economic aspects more favorable.

According to the research team, their findings provide valuable insights into optimizing ammonia exports and reducing carbon intensity. By adopting a holistic approach that encompasses all stages of the supply chain, significant progress can be made towards sustainable energy solutions.

"Our study sheds light on the immense potential of ammonia as an energy source," said Professor Lim. "We have analyzed costs and greenhouse gas emissions while considering different commercialized methods of producing ammonia. Although renewable energy sources were not part of this particular study, our findings offer crucial insights into enhancing ammonia exports and promoting sustainability."

The study findings have been published ahead of their official publication in the online version of Chem. Eng. J. on May 13, 2023. This work has been supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), the Carbon Neutrality Demonstration and Research Center of UNIST, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Korea (MOTIE), and Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT). Their findings are expected to contribute to advancing the understanding and utilization of ammonia as a viable option for decentralized power generation systems.


Story Source:

Materials provided by Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST). Original written by JooHyeon Heo. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Dongjun Lim, Jong Ah Moon, Yeong Jin Koh, Ariyan Zare Ghadi, Aejin Lee, Hankwon Lim. Expansion and optimization of ammonia import to the Republic of Korea for electricity generation. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2023; 468: 143492 DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2023.143492

Cite This Page:

Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST). "New study highlights feasibility and optimization of ammonia-based power generation for carbon neutrality." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 8 September 2023. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/09/230908125958.htm>.
Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST). (2023, September 8). New study highlights feasibility and optimization of ammonia-based power generation for carbon neutrality. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/09/230908125958.htm
Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST). "New study highlights feasibility and optimization of ammonia-based power generation for carbon neutrality." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/09/230908125958.htm (accessed October 10, 2024).

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