THERMO-ECONOMIC AND EMISSION ASSESSMENT OF AMMONIA-HYDROGEN DUAL-FUEL COMBUSTION IN ADVANCED INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES FOR DECARBONIZED POWER GENERATION

Dedy Aryanto (1)
(1) Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Angkatan LautID Indonesia

Abstract

Ammonia–hydrogen dual-fuel combustion offers a promising pathway for dispatchable low-carbon power generation, yet its practical viability depends on balancing efficiency, cost, and nitrogen-based emissions. This study aimed to evaluate the thermodynamic, economic, and environmental performance of ammonia–hydrogen combustion in an advanced internal combustion engine. A quantitative experimental design combined single-cylinder engine testing, thermo-economic modeling, life-cycle emission assessment, statistical analysis, and multi-objective optimization. Hydrogen energy fractions from 0% to 40% were examined across multiple loads and ignition settings, with selected tests incorporating exhaust-gas recirculation. Results showed that hydrogen enrichment shortened ignition delay, improved combustion stability, increased brake thermal efficiency, and reduced ammonia slip and nitrous oxide emissions. Hydrogen fractions between 20% and 30% provided the most balanced performance, while 40% enrichment produced only marginal efficiency gains and higher nitrogen-oxide emissions and electricity costs. A 30% hydrogen fraction with 10% exhaust-gas recirculation maintained 37.60% brake thermal efficiency and reduced nitrogen oxides by more than 40%. Renewable fuel pathways achieved the lowest life-cycle emissions but the highest levelized electricity cost. The study concludes that coordinated optimization of fuel composition, combustion control, emission mitigation, and fuel-production pathways is essential for credible decarbonized power generation under technically stable and economically plausible operating conditions at scale.

Full text article

Generated from XML file

References

Abokhalil, A. G., Basem, A., Abed Balla, H. H., Alkhatib, O. J., Abood, A. S. A., Ayadi, M., Dutta, A. K., Bayhan, Z., Fouad, Y., & Mahariq, I. (2026). Carbon-neutral tri- and multi-generation plants with CO2 capture unit integrated modified gas turbine, recuperative steam Rankine, absorption chiller, and MED: Life cycle assessment and multi-scenario chameleon swarm optimization with XGBoost modeling. Applied Thermal Engineering, 290, 130093. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2026.130093

Ali, M. S., & Wang, J. (2026). Thermodynamic and Economic Assessment of Waste Heat Recovery Integration in Combined Heat and Power Systems. 2026 2nd International Conference on Smart Energy and Control Engineering (SECE), 126–129. https://doi.org/10.1109/SECE68717.2026.11519028

Chen, Z., Farhan, S. M., Cheng, J., & Lin, Z. (2026). Recent advances in emission control technologies for pollutants from automotive ammonia engines: A state of the art mini review. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 09544070261416970. https://doi.org/10.1177/09544070261416970

Curran, S., Onorati, A., Payri, R., Agarwal, A. K., Arcoumanis, C., Bae, C., Boulouchos, K., Dal Forno Chuahy, F., Gavaises, M., Hampson, G. J., Hasse, C., Kaul, B., Kong, S.-C., Kumar, D., Novella, R., Pesyridis, A., Reitz, R., Vaglieco, B. M., & Wermuth, N. (2024). The future of ship engines: Renewable fuels and enabling technologies for decarbonization. International Journal of Engine Research, 25(1), 85–110. https://doi.org/10.1177/14680874231187954

Feng, J., Wang, J., Chen, Z., Luo, Z., & Bai, B. (2024). Thermo-economic analysis of regenerative supercritical CO2 Brayton cycle considering turbomachinery leakage flow. Energy, 290, 130098. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2023.130098

Fisher, R., Ciappi, L., Niknam, P., Braimakis, K., Karellas, S., Frazzica, A., & Sciacovelli, A. (2024). Innovative waste heat valorisation technologies for zero-carbon ships ? A review. Applied Thermal Engineering, 253, 123740. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.123740

Fu, M., Basem, A., Samad, S., Bayz, D. A., Alhumaid, S., Dutta, A. K., Ali, H. E., Jastaneyah, Z., Alkhalaf, S., & Mahariq, I. (2025). Two-bed adsorption refrigeration cycle integration into a hybrid biomass-gasification multigeneration system for sustainable energy production: Comprehensive 4E analysis, and machine learning optimization. Applied Thermal Engineering, 281, 128615. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2025.128615

Ismael, M. A., Ul Mulk, W., Aziz, A. R. A., Babiker, M. E., Aider, M., & Nemitallah, M. A. (2026). Pathways for hydrogen integration with diesel, biodiesel, ammonia, gasoline, and alcohol fuels in internal combustion engines: Performance, emissions, safety challenges, and mitigation strategies. Journal of the Energy Institute, 126, 102507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joei.2026.102507

Jia, Q., Zhu, Z., Zhang, T., Liu, X., Li, D., Wang, M., & Wang, M. (2024). A novel cascade heat design for a geothermal energy-based combined power plant in integration with water electrolysis and ammonia synthesis processes: Comprehensive thermo-environ-economic analyses. Energy, 311, 133383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2024.133383

Jin, Z., Mi, S., Zhou, D., Zhu, J., Schirru, A., Zhao, W., Qian, Y., Lucchini, T., & Lu, X. (2024). Insights into the combustion characteristics, emission formation sources, and optimization strategy of an ammonia-diesel dual-fuel engine under high ammonia ratio conditions. Applied Energy, 373, 123894. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123894

Kim, Y., Kim, T., Lee, I., & Park, J. (2025). Liquid air energy storage system with oxy-fuel combustion for clean energy supply: Comprehensive energy solutions for power, heating, cooling, and carbon capture. Applied Energy, 379, 124937. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.124937

Kishore, K., P, P., & Mittal, M. (2026). Experimental and numerical optimization of diesel injection timing for performance enhancement, combustion mode control, and noise reduction in an ammonia-diesel dual-fuel engine. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 204, 153234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.153234

Li, W., Markides, C. N., Zeng, M., & Peng, J. (2024). 4E evaluations of salt hydrate-based solar thermochemical heat transformer system used for domestic hot water production. Energy, 286, 129602. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2023.129602

Li, Y., Fang, Y., Liu, M., Liu, K., Gai, Z., Shen, Y., Zhang, R., Pan, Y., & Jin, H. (2025). A novel mid-temperature chemical looping system with near-zero carbon emissions for hydrogen and power coproduction. Energy, 329, 136680. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2025.136680

Lin, Y., Sadeq, A. M., Chauhdary, S. T., Ahmad, S. F., Bani Ahmad Ayassrah, A. Y. A., & Alkhathami, A. G. (2026). Multi-objective optimization and 4E assessment of a natural gas-based polygeneration system with coupling cryogenic NGL recovery, single mixed refrigerant, and hydrogen production units. Energy, 344, 139843. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2025.139843

Liu, J., Wang, X., Zhao, W., Sun, P., & Ji, Q. (2024). Effects of ammonia energy fraction and diesel injection parameters on combustion stability and GHG emissions characteristics in a low-loaded ammonia/diesel dual-fuel engine. Fuel, 360, 130544. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2023.130544

Liu, X., Tang, Q., & Im, H. G. (2024). Enhancing ammonia engine efficiency through pre-chamber combustion and dual-fuel compression ignition techniques. Journal of Cleaner Production, 436, 140622. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.140622

Lv, Y., Wang, Y., Liu, F., & Sui, J. (2025). Decarbonizing power generation through Iron-based fuel cycles: A thermodynamic and thermo-economic analysis. Applied Energy, 401, 126751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.126751

Manesh, A. M., & Liu, H. (2025). Thermo-environ-economic analysis of a novel solar-assisted heat pump system; comparison with conventional single stage and cascaded air source heat pumps. Energy, 322, 135647. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2025.135647

Mauro, A. W., Passarelli, A. F., Pelella, F., & Viscito, L. (2025). Life-cycle thermo-economic-environmental analysis of a PV-driven heat pump with and without refrigerant leakages. Energy, 323, 135894. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2025.135894

Morrone, B., Unich, A., De Falco, D., Mariani, A., & Serag, S. (2026). Enhancing Sustainability Through a Hybrid Organic Rankine Cycle and Hydrogen Production Systems: A Thermo-Economic Analysis. Energies, 19(8), 1862. https://doi.org/10.3390/en19081862

Nutakki, T. U. K., Agrawal, M. K., Tahir Chauhdary, S., Ahmad, S. F., Ayadi, M., Hedi, E., Muhammad, T., & Xiao, F. (2024). Thermo-economic-environmental analysis of a sustainable heat integration design for biomass-fueled power plant using integration of CCHP and sweater desalination application. Desalination, 577, 117404. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2024.117404

Priyak, N. K., & Arun, P. (2026). Assessment of tea processing waste torrefaction in a continuous pilot-scale auger reactor: Impact of severity on biofuel characteristics. Bioresource Technology Reports, 35, 102930. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biteb.2026.102930

Raheja, Y., Maibam, P. D., Kapoor, R., Gaur, V. K., & Chadha, B. S. (2026). Holistic integration of biomass pretreatment and energy conversion: Pathways to sustainable biofuels. Bioresource Technology Reports, 33, 102571. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biteb.2026.102571

Shabruhi Mishamandani, A., Asfand, F., & Javanbakht, G. (2026). Techno-economic analysis of an integrated system of anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis reactors with Kalina power cycle. Energy, 363, 142161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2026.142161

Soumith, V., Biswas, A., & Nath, S. (2025). Optimal Selection of a Sustainable Passive Heat Transfer Enhancement Technique for Circular Pipe Heat Exchanger Using MCDM Framework. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 50(4), 2835–2856. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-024-09289-8

Sui, L., Zhou, Q., Alsenani, T. R., Ahmad, S. F., Muhammad, T., & Pourtadayyon, M. (2025). Multi-level eco-friendly heat recovery process integrated into a gas turbine cycle of an innovative CCHP-desalination system: Assessment and optimization of the thermo-economic-environmental aspects. Desalination, 597, 118323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2024.118323

Turja, A. I., Khan, I. A., Rahman, S., Mustakim, A., Hossain, M. I., Ehsan, M. M., & Khan, Y. (2024). Machine learning-based multi-objective optimization and thermal assessment of supercritical CO2 Rankine cycles for gas turbine waste heat recovery. Energy and AI, 16, 100372. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyai.2024.100372

Uddeen, K., Tang, Q., Shi, H., & Turner, J. (2024). Performance and emission analysis of ammonia-ethanol and ammonia-methane dual-fuel combustion in a spark-ignition engine: An optical study. Fuel, 358, 130296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2023.130296

Wang, P., Li, Q., Wang, S., Xiao, T., & Wu, C. (2024). Thermo-economic and life cycle assessment of pumped thermal electricity storage systems with integrated solar energy contemplating distinct working fluids. Energy Conversion and Management, 318, 118895. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2024.118895

Wang, X., Yang, H., Yao, S., Wang, D., & Wu, Y. (2025). Thermo-economic optimization of a building system integrating envelope and energy supply equipment for the rural residence. Applied Thermal Engineering, 278, 127386. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2025.127386

Wei, S., Yu, C., Yi, L., & Line, D. (2026). Smart windows for sustainable learning: A multi-climate assessment of adaptive glazing technologies. Applied Thermal Engineering, 290, 130026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2026.130026

Wu, D., Ma, B., Zhang, J., Chen, Y., Shen, F., Chen, X., Wen, C., & Yang, Y. (2024). Working fluid pair selection of thermally integrated pumped thermal electricity storage system for waste heat recovery and energy storage. Applied Energy, 371, 123693. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123693

Wu, H., Almatrafi, F., Houidi, M. B., Fang, T., & Roberts, W. L. (2026). A Review on Liquid-Ammonia Injection and Combustion for Engine Applications. Engineering, 59, 82–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2025.09.008

Wu, Q., Huang, S., Li, Q., Zheng, X., Liu, W., Zhu, R., Tang, J., Dai, B., Mo, Y., Zhan, L., Xiong, J., & Xiao, Z. (2026). Catalytic liquefaction of pig manure in ethanol: Yield and properties of bio-oil. Biomass and Bioenergy, 207, 108796. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2025.108796

Wu, Y. (2025). Thermoeconomic modeling of new energy system based on biogas upgrading to multigenerational purpose. Desalination, 593, 118215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2024.118215

Xing, S., Zhao, Y., Gao, J., Wang, X., Wu, S., & Li, X. (2025). Research on the effects of ammonia substitution on the combustion and emission characteristics of a small displacement ammonia-diesel dual fuel engine. Applied Thermal Engineering, 278, 127048. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2025.127048

Xu, C., Ye, J., Jie, H., Liao, J., Teng, H., & Hong, W. (2025). Thermodynamic and exergoeconomic performance assessment of a SOFC/GT cogeneration system integrating transcritical CO2 cycle and ejector refrigeration cycle. Applied Thermal Engineering, 270, 126173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2025.126173

Yadav, D. K., Arora, R., Singh, H., Yadav, A. K., Ahmad, A., & Singh, B. (2026). Potential of green ammonia as a carbon-free fuel: Integrated hydrogen-ammonia-dme multi-fuel strategies for road transport IC engines. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 219, 154085. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.154085

Zhang, Z., Zhang, S., Liu, L., Li, G., Li, P., Jiao, Y., Guo, J., Liu, X., & He, C. (2026). Multi-objective optimization study of Organic Rankine Cycle system driven by combined grain drying waste heat and solar energy. Energy, 344, 139820. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2025.139820

Zhou, J., Tang, N., Lua, A. C., & Duan, F. (2025). Environmental and economic viability of a dual-fuel marine engine using liquefied natural gas and diesel. Applied Thermal Engineering, 279, 127859. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2025.127859

Zhou, J., Wu, G., Chen, Y., & Zong, H. (2026). Control Strategies and Intelligent Optimization for Ammonia–Hydrogen Dual-Fuel Engines: A Control-Oriented Review. Energies, 19(14), 3444. https://doi.org/10.3390/en19143444

Zhu, H., Zhou, H., Lau, A., Baldwin, S., Li, L., Saddler, J., & Bi, X. (2026). Circular bioeconomy through a closed-loop anaerobic digestion-pyrolysis biorefinery: Techno-economic, environmental and policy perspectives. Bioresource Technology, 455, 134835. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2026.134835

Authors

Dedy Aryanto
Aryanto, D. (2026). THERMO-ECONOMIC AND EMISSION ASSESSMENT OF AMMONIA-HYDROGEN DUAL-FUEL COMBUSTION IN ADVANCED INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES FOR DECARBONIZED POWER GENERATION. Journal of Moeslim Research Technik, 3(4), 327–348. https://doi.org/10.70177/technik.v3i4.4438

Article Details