AI Korea Files International Patent Application for Ammonia Combustion System for Internal Combustion Engines

AI Korea, which is pursuing a merger with Korea SPAC No.14, announced on the 5th that it has completed the international patent (PCT) application for the ‘Ammonia Combustion System for Internal Combustion Engines.’

This patent utilizes a combination of two technologies: a ‘Thermal Decomposition Catalyst Cracker (decomposition equipment) using waste heat from engine exhaust gases’ and a ‘Plasma-based Ammonia Cracker.’ The technology focuses on enabling the direct use of ammonia as a single fuel in internal combustion engines, rather than the conventional fossil fuel co-firing method.

AI Korea expects that once this international patent is registered, it will establish a strong technological entry barrier in the related field. The company explains that AI Korea’s patented technology is likely to become 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 instantly converts ammonia into a fuel mixture of hydrogen and ammonia, facilitating smooth initial engine operation.

Subsequently, the thermal decomposition catalyst-based ammonia cracker activates when the exhaust gas heat of the engine running the plasma cracker reaches the activation temperature. It then decomposes part of the ammonia into hydrogen and supplies it to the engine, at which point the plasma cracker stops operating. The company’s analysis indicates that the organic combination of these two ammonia cracker technologies is necessary for the stable operation of vehicle ammonia engines.

AI Korea aims to first enter the industrial and power generation infrastructure markets and the shipbuilding sector through continuous technological advancement, ultimately targeting the vehicle ammonia engine market.

An AI Korea official stated, “The ammonia full combustion engine is attracting attention not only for realizing completely carbon-neutral transportation but also for preventing the stranding of existing internal combustion engine technologies as stranded assets. Compared to hydrogen, ammonia is easier to transport as fuel, and it offers better price competitiveness than electric vehicles (EVs) or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs), making it a promising next-generation eco-friendly vehicle in markets where building EV charging infrastructure is challenging.”

He added, “We will strategically target the ammonia cracker market to strengthen the company’s mid- to long-term growth engines alongside robotics. Through this international patent application, we will accelerate research and development to play a leading role in the global ammonia internal combustion engine market.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.