Concord, North Carolina Patent of the Year – 2024/2025

First Ammonia Motors Inc. has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for its innovative approach to on-board hydrogen generation. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 12109546, titled ‘System and method for heating gas in a continuous focused path within an electric heating unit’, introduces a compact, efficient system for converting ammonia into hydrogen fuel within vehicles.

This breakthrough utilizes 3D-printed lattice heating elements housed inside ceramic tubes. As ammonia gas flows through these structures, it undergoes a controlled heating process that facilitates its dissociation into hydrogen. The lattice design balances surface area and heat distribution, ensuring effective conversion without overheating the components.

Traditional systems for ammonia dissociation are often bulky and unsuitable for mobile applications. First Ammonia Motors’ design addresses this by offering a lightweight, durable solution that can withstand the high temperatures and corrosive environments typical of engine operations. This makes it particularly valuable for vehicles aiming to reduce emissions by using hydrogen as a clean fuel source.

By enabling efficient, on-demand hydrogen production from ammonia, this technology supports the transition to greener transportation options. It offers a practical path forward for integrating hydrogen fuel into existing vehicle platforms, potentially reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering environmental impact.