Development and Diagnostic of Alternative Fuels Laboratory

Our research on metal-air combustion explores a novel approach to using metal powders, such as iron, magnesium, and aluminium, as Net Zero fuels. These powders offer energy densities comparable to or greater than conventional hydrocarbon fuels and can be stored safely without leakage, high-pressure, or cryogenic issues like with hydrogen and ammonia. Particularly, iron is abundant, cost-effective, and react with air to form solid metal-oxide particles, with moderate combustion temperatures like natural gas combustion temperature. This process is carbon-free, as the combustion products—metal oxides—can be efficiently captured using cyclonic separation and filtration technologies and recycled into iron using renewable energy. This enables a circular, sustainable energy system.

Our research on advancing hydrogen combustion for energy and propulsion applications addresses key challenges such as swirled flame stability, flashback risks, and NOx emissions. We develop advanced combustion control strategies and optimize burner designs to enable safe and efficient hydrogen use. Additionally, we investigate hydrogen-methane blends as a transitional fuel for domestic boilers, industrial burners, and gas turbines, working to balance hydrogen’s high reactivity with methane’s stability. Our research aims to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring compatibility with existing gas infrastructure, facilitating a practical and scalable transition to low-carbon energy systems.