AI Korea, which is currently pursuing a merger with Korea's 14th Horse Pack, announced on the 5th that it has completed an international patent (PCT) application for the 'Ammonia Combustion System for Internal Combustion Engines'.
This patent focuses on technology that allows ammonia to be used directly as a single fuel in an internal combustion engine, rather than the existing fossil fuel co-firing method, by comprehensively utilizing two technologies: a ‘thermal decomposition catalytic cracker (decomposition equipment) utilizing waste heat from engine exhaust gas’ and a ‘plasma-based ammonia cracker.’
AI Korea expects that if this international patent registration is completed, it will establish a strong technological entry barrier in the relevant field. In particular, the company explains that AI Korea’s patented technology is likely to be an essential element in the development of ammonia engines for small mobility, including vehicles.
Unlike ammonia combustion engines used for large ships or power generation, small mobility ammonia combustion engines require instantaneous ammonia decomposition technology at startup. AI Korea’s plasma ammonia cracker converts ammonia into a fuel mixture of hydrogen and ammonia, thereby supporting smooth initial engine operation.
The ammonia cracker based on the thermal decomposition catalyst then starts operating when the heat of the exhaust gas of the engine running the plasma cracker reaches the activation temperature. Afterwards, some of the ammonia is decomposed into hydrogen and supplied to the engine, and at this time, the plasma cracker stops operating. The company's analysis is that the two ammonia cracker technologies must be organically combined to enable stable operation of the ammonia engine for vehicles.
AI Korea aims to first advance into the industrial and power generation infrastructure market and shipbuilding sector through continuous technological advancement, and ultimately target the vehicle ammonia engine market.
An AI Korea official explained, “The ammonia combustion engine is attracting attention because it can not only realize a completely carbon-neutral means of transportation, but also prevent the stranded assets of existing internal combustion engine technologies.” He added, “Compared to hydrogen, it is easy to transport fuel, and it is also highly competitive in price compared to electric vehicles (EVs) or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs), so it is expected to be in the spotlight as a next-generation eco-friendly vehicle even in markets where it is difficult to build electric vehicle charging infrastructure.”
He continued, “We will strategically target the ammonia cracker market and strengthen the company’s mid- to long-term growth potential together with robots,” adding, “Through this international patent application, we will spur research and development so that we can play a leading role in the global ammonia internal combustion engine market.”
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