Effects of biofuels properties on aircraft engine performance

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.

Citation

Mazlan, N.M., Savill, M. and Kipouros, T. (2015), "Effects of biofuels properties on aircraft engine performance", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 87 No. 5, pp. 437-442. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-09-2013-0166