China has announced the successful test of the world's first pure ammonia-powered train. The train, named "Anhui", set sail from Zhouhu Lake in Anhui Province, operating steadily with an internal combustion engine using carbon-free fuel.
The ship is designed with a total power of 400 kW, including a main internal combustion engine of 200 kW and two auxiliary electric propulsion engines of 100 kW. With a maximum carrying capacity of 50 tons and a speed of about 10 knots, the "Anhui" ship not only demonstrated stable operation but also met safety and emission standards in actual testing.
The highlight of the project is the use of ammonia as the main fuel. Unlike conventional oil, ammonia does not contain carbon, so the combustion process does not produce CO2. In addition, the engineering team has solved two major problems: stable combustion and nitrogen oxide (NO) emission control, which are technical barriers to putting ammonia into practical application.
The successful testing of the “Anhui” ship is an important step in the development strategy of the green shipping industry. This is the first time in the world that a prototype ship using pure ammonia has been put into field operation. This success is not only of scientific significance but also opens the way for large-scale green technology applications in the future.
As the international shipping industry faces pressure to cut emissions, China is pushing ahead with alternative fuel development. Ammonia is one of the directions that experts highly appreciate due to its advantages in energy density, ease of transport and large-scale production potential. Forecasts from the International Energy Agency (IEA) show that by 2050, ammonia could account for up to 45% of total fuel used in global shipping.
Despite its great potential, ammonia fuel still faces many challenges in practical application. It is not easily ignited, difficult to control during combustion, and requires modern exhaust gas treatment technology to minimize CO2. Therefore, the development team of the “Anhui” ship has mastered plasma ignition technology and effective exhaust gas treatment, which is considered a breakthrough.
In addition to reducing emissions, ammonia-powered ships also help the shipping industry move closer to carbon neutrality. Compared to other green fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia is easier to store and requires less specialized port infrastructure. Several major European technology groups such as MAN Energy Solutions and WinGD are also developing ammonia-fired two-stroke engines, which are expected to be commercialized later this year.
With the successful testing of the “Anhui” ship model, China has become the first country in the world to put pure ammonia fuel technology into practical operation. The next steps will focus on scale-up, open-sea testing, and the development of supporting ecosystems such as fueling systems, storage ports, and safety standards.
In the long term, this type of zero-emission ship will be put into domestic and international transportation. This will not only contribute to environmental protection but also affirm China's technological position in the fields of new energy and intelligent transportation.
Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/tau-ammonia-dau-tien-tren-the-gioi-chay-thu-thanh-cong-post1551491.html
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