Currently, similar experiments are being conducted for various uses, including cargo ships, according to Popular Mechanics.
By utilizing carbon-neutral heat, the engine design converts ammonia and hydrogen into jet fuel.
According to the researchers, the prototype analyzed in the report utilizes a combination of hydrogen and ammonia, which has a similar combustion process to traditional jet fuel. As a widely produced chemical, ammonia is extensively used as a fertilizer by humans. Despite the significant energy required to produce ammonia, the process is already operating on a large scale due to its high demand among farmers globally.
According to a press release from Reaction Engines, their innovative heat exchangers can efficiently utilize the heat from a jet engine to crack ammonia fuel. This process results in a stable, zero-carbon fuel blend of ammonia and hydrogen that can be used as a replacement for jet fuel. Cracking is a chemical reaction that utilizes heat to break down complex hydrocarbons into simpler forms, making them more useful in various applications in the field of chemistry.
The update is ongoing:
The conventional aircraft designs can be utilized due to the density of liquid ammonia, and it is feasible to upgrade an existing engine, thereby creating a carbon-free airplane that could potentially begin operating in the short distance market much earlier than the industry’s current goal of 2050.
In another article from Popular Mechanics, it is suggested that scramjets could potentially use shockwaves to propel themselves to Mars at hypersonic speeds.
Scientists have successfully converted carbon dioxide into ethanol using a catalyst, as reported by Popular Mechanics.
According to Reaction Engines, a concept that is currently being echoed by numerous unconventional energy researchers is the idea of decarbonizing the aviation industry. The company recognizes this as one of the major obstacles of our time, but acknowledges that there is not yet a definitive solution in place.
The current state of battery technology does not have the necessary power density to provide enough range for a standard narrow-body jet, such as the A320 or 737. If hydrogen were to be used, it would need to be in its deeply cryogenic liquid form, which would require the development of new infrastructures and significant modifications to aircraft designs. Alternatively, synthetic fuels and biofuels would require the implementation of new processes or the use of arable land for production, but they would not address the problem of soot emissions.
Is ammonia, which requires a lot of energy, the most effective solution? According to Reaction and other sources, the key is to have a greater number of initial ideas, not fewer. Additionally, the advantage of being able to heat the ammonia mixture for cracking without additional energy gives this plan an edge.
The production of hydrogen currently relies on hydrocarbons for practical purposes and is not yet at a large scale. Thus, incorporating a portion of hydrogen into this plan gives it an advantage. However, the current feasibility report serves as a means to unlock future opportunities.