Wireless self-powered ammonia leakage monitor system developed for ammonia-energy ships

Due to its zero carbon, secure storage, and excessive vitality density, liquid ammonia is a promising marine gasoline within the transport business.

However, ammonia is a standard poisonous gasoline that may trigger irritation to the mucous membranes and respiratory system. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a real-time and correct ammonia monitoring technique for long-distance sea voyages.

Recently, a analysis group led by Prof. Feng Liang from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), in collaboration with Prof. Xu Minyi’s group from Dalian Maritime University, developed a full-set wi-fi self-powered ammonia leakage monitor system for ammonia-energy ships.

The system features a honeycomb triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG)-based energy technology system, a carbon nanotube doped polypyrrole (CNTs-PPy)-based ammonia detection system, and a sign amassing and transmitting system (Bluetooth).

This research was revealed in Nano Energy on April 11.

The researchers improved the digital conduction effectivity through the synergistic impact between the carbon nanotubes and conductive polymers, which enhanced the sensing efficiency at room temperature. The sensor exhibited good efficiency with a low detection restrict, brief response time (about 90 s), excessive selectivity, good stability, and low value.

Moreover, through the use of Bluetooth, the researchers realized wi-fi transmission from the detection module to the pc terminal.

By combining with the honeycomb construction TENG offered by Dalian Maritime University, the system may accumulate and covert the mechanical energy generated by the vibration of the ship’s engine into electrical energy, realizing self-powering of the whole sensing system.

The researchers examined the system on the expedition ship. The complete sensing system labored easily within the low-level cabin of the ship with excessive temperature and excessive humidity, confirming its potential in sensible purposes.

“The self-powered wireless detection system can realize long-term maintenance-free monitoring of ammonia leakage during ocean voyages,” stated Prof. Feng. “It is expected to play an important role in the further application and promotion of ammonia energy.”