Effects of biofuels properties on aircraft engine performance. Issue 5 (7th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mazlan, Nurul Musfirah; Savill, Mark; Kipouros, Timos
• Is Part Of: Aircraft engineering and aerospace technology. Volume 87:Issue 5(2015)
• Page Start: 437
• Page End: 442
• Publication Date: 2015-09-07
• Subjects: Biofuels -- Density -- Heat capacity -- Aircraft engine performance -- Fuel consumption -- Thrust; Aerospace engineering -- Periodicals; Aeronautics -- Systems engineering -- Periodicals; Astronautics -- Systems engineering -- Periodicals; Airplanes -- Equipment and supplies -- Periodicals; Space vehicles -- Equipment and supplies -- Periodicals; Aerospace industries -- Periodicals; 629.1
• DOI: 10.1108/AEAT-09-2013-0166
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-8842

Abstract

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.