I.C. engine for stationary or vehicle use - runs on hydrogen obtained from thermal decomposition of ammonia

摘要

The engine has a cylinder in which combustion takes place and which contains a sparking plug, inlet and exhaust valves and a piston with a linkage producing a mechanical output. A reactor is placed next to the cylinder and is supplied with ammonia which is thermally decomposed within the reactor into its constituent hydrogen and nitrogen. The gases are fed to the cylinder and the hydrogen provides the fuel for the engine. The reactor and the engine exhaust are arranged so that the heat of the exhaust provides the heat to decompose the ammonia. The exhaust pipe can pass through the reactor or surround it or the heat exchange can be effected by a heat pump.