Flexible, Energy Efficient Ammonia Synthesis

This proposal concerns a new method for ammonia manufacture that has the potential to be energy efficient. In addition it does not require natural gas, avoids the release of greenhouse gases and is scaleable over a wide range of sizes. About 3% of the world & apos;s energy goes into ammonia synthesis making reducing the energy required for ammonia production a promising route to reducing energy consumption. This process is a more efficient way to make ammonia that clearly meets the DOEs needs for an improved manufacturing process that reduces energy consumption in a major industry as well as the other targets set forth in the current Funding Opportunity Announcement. By coupling the proposed process to a renewable energy source it can be operated with no greenhouse gas production, while increasing the utilization factor for its renewable energy source. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits Demand for ammonia in the United States continues to increase. The primary use of ammonia is as a fertilizer; but it is also needed for diverse applications such as com- mercial cleaning products, pharmaceutical and polymer synthesis, and refrigerant. Ad- ditionally, the unit can be manufactured and operated on-site, on demand and coupled with renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power.