Russ College of Engineering and Technology Mechanical Engineering

The NH3 Car – an alternative way to power our future

A prototype vehicle powered by an ammonia fuel engine (AFE) is being built by a research team from Ohio University’s Russ College of Engineering and Technology.
The fuel-cell electric vehicle requires no hydrogen storage – it is generated on board via an ammonia electrochemical reformer.

Stage 1 of the project (led by Grad student Christopher Gregg) involves the development of The Ohio University “Alternative Energy Testbed Electric Vehicle”

Christopher Gregg in the Prototype Rolling Chassis Photo – Before conversion

Possible Body Style – After Conversion

The First Stage - Electric Vehicle Conversion

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For more info see the Ohio University Perspectives Magazine Online article Green Fuels
- the Ammonia car is one of the featured projects

Click here for a list of NH3 Research Team Members

[Click below to see pdf versions of presentations describing the design and development of the vehicle]

Vehicle and Mechanical Systems Overview (pdf)

Thanks to our sponsors and friends who have supported this project

Ohio University 1804 Fund

Ohio Coal Research Center

Advanced Motion Controls

FAQ

Why an ammonia car? Where will the ammonia come from? Does it lessen our reliance on petroleum? Can we make enough to cover a big part of our transportation fuel needs?

An ammonia car has potentially high energy efficiency and could use ammonia from waste sources, so it is an important part of the future transportation picture.

When will the prototype be finished?

Projected completion of phase 1 by June 2007

What is its fuel economy? What is its range?

60 mpg_ge (based on 90 mpg for a hydrogen-based fuel cell car)

What is the advantage over other on board reformers that produce hydrogen?

Is it safe? Is the fuel dangerous? What happens in a wreck?

What would a fuel station look like?

What are the biggest technical challenges to overcome before this technology

could be on the market?

NH3 Car Research Groups

Vehicle and mechanical systems

Christopher Gregg

Dr. Greg Kremer (ME)

NH3 reforming and fuel cell systems

Mahesh Biradar

Madhivanan Muthuvel

Dr. Gerri Botte (ChE)

Electrical and Control Systems

Tim DeLashmutt

Ryan Meldahl

Dr. Jim Zhu (EECS)