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An experimental analysis on a Stirling-engine-driven micro power-generation system integrated with a flat-flame burner powered by dimethyl ether fuel mixed with ammonia

Author

Listed:
  • Chen, Wen-Lih
  • Currao, Gaetano M.D.
  • Wu, Chih-Yung
  • Tsai, Bing-Ying
  • Lin, Shang-Chih
  • Li, Cheng-Jun

Abstract

The benefits of employing ammonia for power generation were experimentally quantified through the development of an electric generator system. This system consisted of a flat-flame burner, a Stirling engine, an AC generator, a charge controller, batteries, and some electric appliances. The fuel employed throughout this study was a mixture of dimethyl ether and ammonia. The system performance was quantified through electric power output, thermal-to-electric efficiency of the system, and multiple emission indices, which facilitated the estimation of combustion efficiency. Under the condition of a value of ammonia concentration of 10 % and heat input of 2000 W, the system generated 31.1 W of electric power. As the ammonia concentration increased to 40 %, the CO2 emissions were decreased by approximately 42 % at the cost of a minor reduction in electric power output of 4 %. The combustion efficiency of the flat-flame burner was between 98.4 and 99.1 %, and the thermal-to-electric efficiency of the system was between 1.45 and 1.7 %. The results demonstrated that ammonia has the potential to phase out carbon-rich fuel (either fossil fuel or sustainable fuel such as dimethyl ether), thus mitigating the CO2 emission that worsens the global warming problem.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Wen-Lih & Currao, Gaetano M.D. & Wu, Chih-Yung & Tsai, Bing-Ying & Lin, Shang-Chih & Li, Cheng-Jun, 2025. "An experimental analysis on a Stirling-engine-driven micro power-generation system integrated with a flat-flame burner powered by dimethyl ether fuel mixed with ammonia," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 314(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:314:y:2025:i:c:s0360544224040027
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.134224
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