AmmOx-Steel

Climate change is one of the challenges of the 21st century, with GHG emissions, especially carbon dioxide, released during the combustion of fossil fuels, thereby contributing significantly to global warming. As an alternative to hydrogen (H₂), green ammonia (NH₃) also has a significant role to play as a CO₂-free fuel. In terms of transport volumes, hydrogen has a lower specific calorific value than ammonia. Ammonia can already be liquefied at -33 °C under standard pressure conditions, which makes it considerably easier to transport. Well-established transport and storage options are available. However, high nitrogen oxide emissions are to be expected during combustion, and the flames also tend to become unstable.

Using CFD simulations as well as reaction-kinetics and experimental investigations on a semi-industrial scale, typical primary measures for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions with ammonia as a fuel source are to be tested and integrated into an oxy-fuel burner system. The aim of the oxy-fuel combustion method is to increase burner efficiency and to ensure stable ammonia combustion. The burner system to be developed will then be operated in a heat treatment furnace.

Project term: 3 years (7/2025 – 6/2028)

Funding reference: 03EN2137A

Project goals: