Nanofuels as Future Energy Vectors

该项目提出了一个新的概念，使用纳米燃料，纯金属纳米颗粒（干燃料）或纳米颗粒在液体燃料（湿燃料）中的悬浮液，作为未来的能源载体。该概念包括三个要素：纳米燃料的生产、利用和再生。纳米燃料燃烧后的热能利用被确定为可行性研究的关键要素。该项目将使用往复式内燃机（ICE）作为模型系统来评估纳米燃料的燃烧过程。三种确定的潜在纳米燃料，硅，铝和铁，以湿燃料和干燃料的形式将在两个ICE中注入和燃烧，发动机性能包括缸内压力，温度和功输出将被表征。实验评估的主要特点，包括纳米燃料配方和喷射，点火和燃烧的纳米燃料，氧化物颗粒捕获和再生，发动机排放，磨损和润滑将进行调查。我们的初步调查表明，该项目是一个有远见的和创新的，但有风险的应用，值得EPSRC资助。

This project proposes a novel concept of using nanofuels, pure metal nanoparticles (dry-fuel) or suspensions of nanoparticles in a liquid fuel (wet-fuel), as a future energy vector. The concept comprises three elements: production, utilization and regeneration of nanofuels. The utilization of thermal energy upon combustion of nanofuels is identified as the key element for the feasibility study. This project will use reciprocating internal combustion engines (ICEs) as a model system to assess the combustion process of nanofuels. Three identified potential nanofuels, silicon, aluminium and iron, in the form of wet-fuels and dry-fuels will be injected and combusted in two ICEs, and the engine performance including in-cylinder pressure, temperature and work output will be characterised. Key features of the experimental assessment including nanofuel formulation and injection, ignition and combustion of nanofuels, oxide particle capture and regeneration, and engine emission, wear and lubrication will be investigated. Our preliminary investigations indicate that the project is a visionary and innovative but risky application, worthy of EPSRC funding.