Work

Impact of nanoparticles as an additive to biojet fuel on turbine aviation engine: A performance study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Combusting Jet-A in aeroengines releases significant amounts of harmful gases. However, the HEFA content is currently limited to 50 % due to its properties that reduce combustion efficiency. Enhancing HEFA properties is crucial for increasing blend content and improving combustion efficiency. This study modifies HEFA properties by adding 0.5 wt% nanoparticles (NPs) such as Alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) and Magnesium Oxide (MgO). Seven fuel samples, including Jet-A, pure HEFA, Jet-A and HEFA blends, and their blends with nanoparticles, were evaluated in a jet turbine engine for thrust and thrust specific fuel consumption (TSFC) using the Gas Turbine Simulation Program. Al 2 O 3 and MgO nanoparticles in HEFA were stabilized for up to 5 h using SPAN80 surfactant. Average zeta potential magnitude measured for Al 2 O 3 is higher for each day compared to MgO. Nanoparticle inclusion improved the lower heating value (LHV), and engine thrust by up to 5.5 % compared to Jet-A, but reduced fuel density below ASTM standards. Despite the lower fuel density, a higher LHV contributed to an enhanced TSFC and engine efficiency of 4.25 %. Al 2 O 3 outperformed MgO in terms of LHV and density. While nanoparticles show potential to enhance aircraft engine performance, further research is needed to improve their stability and assess their interactions within engine components.

Source: Fuel

DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2025.136585

Authors: Yasmin Wadzer, Ahmad Hazim Zainuddin, Muhammad Ridzuan Abdul Halim, Nurul Musfirah Mazlan

Institution: Universiti Sains Malaysia

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Aircraft Design and Technologies

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,330