Paper details

Title:

Emerging Alternative Jet Fuels: Combustion Properties, Production Technologies and Related Costs

Author(s):

Petrone, M.T., Braccio, G.

Document(s):

Abstract:

The development of drop­in kerosene­type alternative jet fuels is currently receiving great attention from the international scientific community. These fuels combine the advantage of being suitable for use in existing engines and infrastructures together with the potential of drastically reducing the environmental impact of aviation. Moreover, they are promising as regards to the maturity of the production technologies and the competitiveness of the market costs. However, the number of mature drop­in kerosene­type jet fuels is still rather limited and some additional work must be done. This work compares three different classes of emerging alternative jet fuels, such as synthetic paraffinic kerosenes (SPKs), fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), and alcohols, on the basis of their grade of compatibility with current engines and infrastructures, their near­term production potential, and their near­term production cost. Discussions are supported by data available in literature and recent flight campaigns. Synthetic paraffinic kerosenes, such as Fischer­Tropsch (FT) fuels and Hydroprocessed Renewable Jet (HRJ) fuels, have properties that fit well those of conventional jet fuel (Jet A) and their use in modern aircraft is promising. 50% blends of FT fuels and Jet A have been already approved in 2009 while 50% blends of HRJ and Jet A are going through the approval process due for completion in 2011. Conversely, the high freezing point and the natural break downing tendency of biodiesel and biokerosene pose serious operational and safety problems. Similarly, the low energy content, the high volatility, and the high flash point make alcohols inappropriate for use in aircraft. Major limits to a large­scale diffusion of all these fuels are given by the scarce maturity of the production technologies and the difficult to make projections on their related costs.

Keywords:

sustainability, transport sector, biofuels

Topic:

Technology Deployment and Industrial Demonstration

Subtopic:

Progress in biofuels for transport

Event:

19th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

OB6.4

Pages:

2187 - 2192

ISBN-13:

978-88-89407-55-4

ISBN-10:

88-89407-55-7

Paper DOI:

10.5071/19thEUBCE2011-OB6.4

Price:

FREE