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Article
Publication date: 11 November 2020

Booma Devi, Venkatesh S., Rakesh Vimal and Praveenkumar T.R.

This paper aims to investigate the effect of additives in Jet-A fuel blends, especially on performance, combustion and emission characteristics.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of additives in Jet-A fuel blends, especially on performance, combustion and emission characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

Jet-A fuel was formed by using Kay’s and Gruenberg–Nissan mixing rules by adding additive glycerol with TiO2. While measuring the combustion performance, the amount of oxygen content present in fuel and atomization are the key factors to consider. As such, the Jet-A fuel was created by adding additives at different proportion. A small gas turbine engine was used for conducting tests. All tests were carried out at different load conditions for all the fuel blends such as neat Jet-A fuel, G10T (glycerol 10% with 50 ppm TiO2 and Jet-A 90%), G20T (glycerol 10% with 50 ppm TiO2 and Jet-A 90%) and G30T (glycerol 10% with 50 ppm TiO2 and Jet-A 90%).

Findings

From tests, the G20T and G10T produced better results than other blends. The thermal efficiency of the blends of G20T and G10T are 22% and 14% higher than neat Jet-A fuel. Further, the improved static thrust with less fuel consumption was noticed in G20T fuel blend.

Originality/value

The G20T blends showed better performance because of the increased oxygenated compounds in the fuel blends. Moreover, the emission rate of environmentally harmful gases such as NOx, CO and HC was lower than the neat Jet-A fuel. From the results, it is clear that the rate of exergy destruction is more in the combustion chamber than the other components of fuel.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 93 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 February 2022

Balaji V., Kaliappan S., Madhuvanesan D.M., Ezhumalai D.S., Boopathi S., Patil Pravin P. and Saiprakash Mani

The purpose of the study is to examine the influence of the corn biofuel on the Jet engine. Each tests were carried out in a small gas turbine setup. The performance…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to examine the influence of the corn biofuel on the Jet engine. Each tests were carried out in a small gas turbine setup. The performance characteristics of thrust, thrust-specific fuel consumption, exhaust gas temperature and emission characteristics of Carbon monoxide(CO), Carbon dioxide (CO2), Oxygen (O2), Unburned hydrocarbons (UHC) and Nitrogen of oxides (NO) emissions were measured and compared with Jet-A fuel to find the suitability of the biofuel used.

Design/methodology/approach

Upgrading and using biofuels in aviation sector have been emerging as a fruitful method to diminish the CO emission into the atmosphere. This research paper explores the possibility of using nanoparticles-enriched bio-oil as a fuel for jet engines. The biofuel taken is corn oil and the added nanoparticles are Al2O3.

Findings

The biofuel blends used are B0 (100% Jet-A fuel), B10 (10 % corn oil biofuel + 90% Jet-A fuel), B20 (20% corn oil biofuel + 80% Jet-A fuel) and B30 (30% corn oil biofuel + 70% Jet-A fuel). All fuel blends were mixed with the moderate dosage level of 30 ppm. All tests were conducted at different rpm as 50,000, 60,000, 70,000 and 80,000 rpm.

Originality/value

The results proved that within the lower limit, use of biofuel increased the performance characteristics and reduced the emission characteristics except the emission of NO. The moderate-level biofuel with Jet-A fuel showed the equally better performance to the neat Jet-A fuel.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 94 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 October 2020

Anderson A., Karthikeyan A., Ramesh Kumar C., Ramachandran S. and Praveenkumar T.R.

The purpose of this study is to predict the performance and emission characteristics of micro gas turbine engines powered by alternate fuels. The micro gas turbine engine…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to predict the performance and emission characteristics of micro gas turbine engines powered by alternate fuels. The micro gas turbine engine performance, combustion and emission characteristics are analyzed for the jet fuel with different additives.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental investigation was carried out with Jet A-1 fuel on the gas turbine engines at different load conditions. The primary blends of the Jet A-1 fuels are from canola and solid waste pyrolysis oil. Then the ultrasonication of highly concentrated multiwall carbon nanotubes is carried with the primary blends of canola (Jet-A fuel 70%, canola 20% and 10% ethanol) and P20E (Jet-A 70% fuel, 20% PO and 10% ethanol).

Findings

The consumption of the fuel is appreciable with the blends at a very high static thrust. The 39% reduction in thrust specific fuel consumption associated with a 32% enhance in static thrust with P20E blend among different fuel blends. Moreover, due to the increase in ethanol concentration in the blends PO20E and C20E lead to a 22% rise in thermal efficiency and a 9% increase in higher oxygen content is observed.

Practical implications

The gas turbine engine emits very low emission of gases such as CO, CO2 and NOx by using the fuel blends, which typically reduces the fossil fuel usage limits with reduced pollutants.

Originality/value

The emission of the gas turbine engines is further optimized with the addition of hydrogen in Jet-A fuel. That is leading to high specific fuel exergy and owing to the lower carbon content in the hydrogen fuel when compared with that of the fossil fuels used in gas turbine engines. Therefore, the usage of hydrogen with nanofluids was so promising based on the results obtained for replacing fossil fuels.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 93 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 September 2015

Nurul Musfirah Mazlan, Mark Savill and Timos Kipouros

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of heat capacity and density of biofuels on aircraft engine performance indicated by thrust and fuel consumption.

1023

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of heat capacity and density of biofuels on aircraft engine performance indicated by thrust and fuel consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

The influence of heat capacity and density was examined by simulating biofuels in a two-spool high-bypass turbofan engine running at cruise condition using a Cranfield in-house engine performance computer tool (PYTHIA). The effect of heat capacity and density on engine performance was evaluated through a comparison between kerosene and biofuels. Two types of biofuels were considered: Jatropha Bio-synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (JSPK) and Camelina Bio-synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (CSPK).

Findings

Results show an increase in engine thrust and a reduction in fuel consumption as the percentage of biofuel in the kerosene/biofuel mixture increases. Besides a low heating value, an effect of heat capacity on increasing engine thrust and an effect of density on reducing engine fuel consumption are observed.

Practical implications

The utilisation of biofuel in aircraft engines may result in reducing over-dependency on crude oil.

Originality/value

This paper observes secondary factors (heat capacity and density) that may influence aircraft engine performance which should be taken into consideration when selecting new fuel for new engine designs.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, vol. 87 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 September 2022

Peter Hooper

This paper aims to present experimental experience of heavy fuelling of a spark ignition crankcase scavenged two-stroke cycle unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) engine, particularly…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present experimental experience of heavy fuelling of a spark ignition crankcase scavenged two-stroke cycle unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) engine, particularly focusing on the effects of compression ratio variation, and to cross-correlate with the results of fluid dynamic modelling of the engine and fuels used.

Design/methodology/approach

One-dimensional modelling of the engine has been conducted using WAVE software supported by experimental dynamometer testing of a spark ignition UAV engine to construct a validated computational model using gasoline and kerosene JET A-1 fuels.

Findings

The investigation into the effects of compression ratio variation via fluid dynamic simulation and experimental testing has allowed an assessment of the approach for improving heavy fuel operation of UAV engines using auxiliary transfer port fuel injection. The power level achieved with reduced compression ratio heavy fuel operation is equal to 15.35 kW at 6,500 revolutions per minute compared to 16.27 kW from the standard gasoline engine or a reduction of 5.7%.

Practical implications

The studied engine is specifically designed for UAV applications. The validation of the computational models to explore the effects of compression ratio and heavy fuel injection on the solution and cost is supported by experimental tests.

Originality/value

The application of auxiliary port fuel injection of heavy fuel and associated compression ratio optimisation offers an alternative approach to achieve the safety and logistical challenges of the single fuel policy for UAVs. The application of WAVE to simulate crankcase scavenged two-stroke cycle engines has been applied in very few cases. This study shows further exploratory work in that context.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 95 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2023

Gokulnath R. and Booma Devi

Diesel has traditionally been considered the best-suited and most widely used fuel in various sectors, including manufacturing industries, power production, automobiles and…

Abstract

Purpose

Diesel has traditionally been considered the best-suited and most widely used fuel in various sectors, including manufacturing industries, power production, automobiles and transportation. However, with the ongoing crisis of fossil fuel inadequacy, the search for alternative fuels and their application in these sectors has become increasingly important. One particularly interesting and beneficial alternative fuel is biodiesel derived from bio sources.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, an attempt was made to use biodiesel in an unconventional micro gas turbine engine. It will remove the concentric use of diesel engines for power production by improving fuel efficiency as well as increasing the power production rate. Before the fuel is used enormously, it has to be checked in many ways such as performance, emission and combustion analysis experimentally.

Findings

In this paper, a detailed experimental study was made for the use of Spirulina microalgae biodiesel in a micro gas turbine. A small-scale setup with the primary micro gas turbine and secondary instruments such as a data acquisition system and AVL gas analyser. The reason for selecting the third-generation microalgae is due to its high lipid and biodiesel production rate. For the conduction of experimental tests, certain conditions were followed in addition that the engine rotating rpm was varied from 4,000, 5,000 and 6,000 rpm. The favourable and predicted results were obtained with the use of microalgae biodiesel.

Originality/value

The performance and combustion results were not exactly equal or greater for biodiesel blends but close to the values of pure diesel; however, the reduction in the emission of CO was at the appreciable level for the used spirulina microalgae biodiesel. The emission of nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide was a little higher than the use of pure diesel. This experimental analysis results proved that the use of spirulina microalgae biodiesel is both economical and effective replacement for fossil fuel.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 January 2017

Peter Hooper

The purpose of this paper is to present results of practical experience of cold starting a gasoline engine on low volatility fuel suitable for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present results of practical experience of cold starting a gasoline engine on low volatility fuel suitable for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) deployment.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental research and development is carried out via dynamometer testing of systems capable of achieving cold start of a spark ignition UAV engine on kerosene JET A-1 fuel.

Findings

Repeatable cold starts have been satisfactorily achieved at ambient temperatures of 5°C. The approximate threshold for warm engine restart has also been established.

Practical implications

For safety and supply logistical reasons, the elimination of the use of gasoline fuel offers major advantages not only for UAVs but also for other internal combustion engine-powered equipment to be operated in military theatres of operation. For gasoline crankcase-scavenged two-stroke cycle engines, this presents development challenges in terms of modification of the lubrication strategy, achieving acceptable performance characteristics and the ability to successfully secure repeatable engine cold start.

Originality/value

The majority of UAVs still operate on gasoline-based fuels. Successful modification to allow low volatility fuel operation would address single fuel policy objectives.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 89 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 June 2021

Ismail Hakki Hakkı Akçay, Habib Gürbüz, Hüsameddin Akçay and Mustafa Aldemir

This study seeks the effect on static thrust, thrust specific energy consumption (TSEC) and exhaust emissions of euro diesel-hydrogen dual-fuel combustion in a small turbojet…

Abstract

Purpose

This study seeks the effect on static thrust, thrust specific energy consumption (TSEC) and exhaust emissions of euro diesel-hydrogen dual-fuel combustion in a small turbojet engine.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental studies are performed in a JetCat P80-SE type small turbojet engine. Euro diesel and hydrogen is fed through two different inlets in a common rail distributing fuel to the nozzles. Euro diesel fuel is fed by a liquid fuel pump to the engine, while hydrogen is fed by a fuel-line with a pressure of 5 bars from a gas cylinder with a pressure of approximately 200 bars.

Findings

At different engine speeds, it is found that there is a decrease at the TSEC between a range of 1% and 4.8% by different hydrogen energy fractions (HEF).

Research limitations/implications

The amount of hydrogen is adjusted corresponding to a range of 0–20% of the total heat energy of the euro diesel and hydrogen fuels. The small turbojet engine is operated between a range of 35,000 and 95,000 rpm engine speeds.

Practical implications

On the other hand, remarkable improvements in exhaust emissions (i.e. CO, CO2, HC and NOx) are observed with HEFs.

Originality/value

This is through providing improvements in performance and exhaust emissions using hydrogen as an alternative to conventional jet fuel in gas turbine engines.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 93 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 October 2020

Ibrahim Yildiz and Hakan Caliskan

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the energy and exergy prices and carbon emission equivalents of the jet kerosene (Jet A-1) fuel considering 12 months data for an air…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the energy and exergy prices and carbon emission equivalents of the jet kerosene (Jet A-1) fuel considering 12 months data for an air craft used in the air transport sector in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

In the selection of the energy resources, one of the most important factors besides the need is the price of the energy resources. To use and save the energy resources efficiently, the prices should be evaluated in terms of exergy too. In this context, the exergy prices and carbon emission equivalents of the jet kerosene fuel have been examined.

Findings

According to analysis results, after January 2020, a steady decline in energy prices has been obtained until April 2020. In this regard, directly proportional changes have been obtained in exergy prices. The minimum exergy price of the fuel is calculated as 74.36 US cents/kWh for April 2020, while the maximum exergy price of the fuel is calculated as 150.02 US cents/kWh for September 2019. The minimum exergy price based carbon emission equivalents for the jet kerosene fuel is determined as 1,099.98 US cents/kg for April 2020, while the maximum exergy price based carbon emission equivalents for the jet kerosene fuel is found to be 2,219.29 US cents/kg for September 2019.

Originality/value

The new contribution has been made to the open literature by examining the energy and exergy prices of the jet kerosene fuel. In addition, the carbon emission equivalents of the jet kerosene fuel have been determined not only energy but also exergy methods.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 93 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1987

D.R. Kendall, R.H. Clark and P.E. Wolveridge

To operate satisfactorily in jet engines, fuels must satisfy certain minimum performance criteria embracing not only the obvious one of combustion, but also such aspects as…

Abstract

To operate satisfactorily in jet engines, fuels must satisfy certain minimum performance criteria embracing not only the obvious one of combustion, but also such aspects as thermal stability, flow at low temperatures, corrosivity, cleanliness, etc. To this end, internationally agreed specifications have been developed to ensure satisfactory fuel performance in all aviation gas turbines. This article concentrates on one such area, thermal stability, to illustrate some of the work performed on aviation kerosine at Shell's Thornton Research Centre in Cheshire. Here, for over forty years, realistic fuel system simulator rigs have been used to examine the influence of fuel properties and composition on various aspects of its performance. One conclusion of such work is that fuels possessing almost identical physical properties can, because of the presence of varying types and amounts of trace compounds, exhibit considerably different performance qualities.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 59 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

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