Impact of microalgae biofuel on microgas turbine aviation engine: A combustion and emission study

Abstract

This paper investigates the authenticity of the biofuels as an alternative to Jet A fuel. Owing to the fact of reduced CO2 emission quality, biofuels can be used in the field of aviation to substantially reduce the CO2 emission and improve the performance. In this analysis, microalgae Spirulina biofuel was added with Jet-A fuel at different proportions such as 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%. The proportions used are B20% (20% biofuel with 80% jet-A fuel), B40% (40% biofuel with 60% Jet-A fuel), B60% (60% biofuel with 40% Jet-A fuel), B80% (80% biofuel with 20% Jet-A fuel) and B100% biofuel. All the test results were compared with the neat jet A fuel. The experiments were conducted at different engine speeds. A small experimental jet engine was used to conduct all the experimental tests. Engine performance characteristics and emission characteristics were found for different fuel blends. It is concluded that the biofuel at a lower proportion level with the Jet–A fuel comparatively produced a good result. In terms of thrust and engine speed, the lower level of addition of biofuel is fruitful. The emission level of CO, CO2, and NOx was reduced owing to the presence of excess oxygen content in the blends. However, when the addition percentage was increased, the results produced by them were not positive because of its low energy.