Autoignition Characteristics of Ammonia Dimethyl Ether Blends

The autoignition characteristics of ammonia (NH3) and
dimethyl ether (DME) blends were examined in this research project.
The study investigates the autoignition characteristics by measuring
ignition delay times across a range of gas temperatures from 621 to
725 K and at pressures of 5, 10, and 20 bar by using a rapid compression
machine (RCM). Ignition delays of NH3/DME blends, with
DME concentrations in the fuel mixture ranging from 0 to 50%, were
measured, simulated, and compared with JP-8 and JP-5 fuel ignition
delays. At a pressure of 20 bar, blends containing 30 and 50% DME
concentrations exhibited ignition delay times similar to those of
JP-8 and JP-5. Furthermore, the fuel blend with a 30% DME concentration
showed similar ignition delays at the lower pressures of 5 and 10
bar. Several kinetic models were used to model the autoignition and
compared with the measured data. Simulation results fairly matched
the measured ignition delays. Through rigorous experimental verification,
this comprehensive analysis evaluated the reliability of existing
chemical models and paved the way for further studies on customized
fuel blends, thereby contributing to the ongoing debate on sustainable
energy alternatives.