Comparison of aircraft engine performance and emission analysis using alternative fuels

Abstract

Abstract:Following the successful flights of many commercial aircraft running with alternative fuels, the present study focuses on aircraft engine performance and emission analysis. The analysis of aircraft engine performance (thrust, fuel flow and specific fuel consumption) for different blended mixing ratio percentages of biofuels (Camelina and Jatropha) with Jet-A, at different flight conditions using in-house computer software codes, PYTHIA and TURBOMATCH. Emission analysis utilised HEPHAESTUS in-house software to predict nitrous oxides and carbon monoxide emission at various flight conditions. A model three-shaft high-bypass-ratio engine, similar to the RB211-524, was used. Blended fuels exhibited a slight improvement in engine performance at higher mixing ratio percentages; with Jatropha biofuel surpassing Camelina biofuel in terms of all considered performance indexes. Nitrous oxides can be reduced using pure Jatropha biofuel as compared to kerosene fuel for every flight condition. However, for carbon monoxide emission strongly depends on the combustor inlet conditions and flight phases.

Effects of biofuel on engines performance and emission characteristics: A review

“…Compared to Camelina biofuel, the pure jatropha biofuel gave better thrust and lower SFC and fuel flow due to the low heating value. On the other hand, the lowest NOx emissions were for 50% jatropha biofuel blended with jet fuel at all flight conditions [21].…”

International Aviation Smart City Alliance as a global strategy for carbon emissions reduction

“…• As part of the alternative fuels, few studies are found on liquid hydrogen fuels in commercial aviation, and investigating how it compares to kerosene is essential to the regulatory process as well as to investments in biofuels (Azami et al, 2017;Rondinelli et al, 2017;Balli et al, 2021a).…”

Multi-objective evaluation of aviation-induced GHG emissions: UK domestic flight pattern

“…In research by Abrahamson et al, 23 a model is presented to predict black carbon mass emissions in cases of conventional and alternative aviation fuel consumption during ground and flight operations. In Azami et al, 24 emissions characteristics of alternative fuels are presented in addition to engine performance analyses. It is concluded from the study that it is possible to reduce the nitrogen oxide emissions consumption of pure Jatropha biofuel with regard to conventional aviation fuel, whereas carbon monoxide emissions are highly dependent on combustor inlet conditions and phases of flight.…”