Instead of kerosene: new aviation fuel from coconut oil
On August 23 at 21:00, researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University announced the development of a biofuel made from coconut oil, designed to be blended with Jet A-1 grade aviation kerosene. This fuel is produced using an energy-efficient method at room temperature, which helps reduce production costs. One of the key advantages of the new biofuel is the reduction of hydrocarbon emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to standard aviation fuel.
Production and testing process
The production process of the new fuel involves the use of co-solvents, including acetone and alcohol. Scientists have created two types of fuel additives: methyl and ethyl esters of fatty acids. Testing of the new biofuel was conducted on a small turbojet engine, during which the following were analyzed:
- fuel consumption,
- thermal efficiency coefficient,
- exhaust gas composition.
Although the overall consumption of the mixture increased due to the lower heat value of coconut oil, the thermal efficiency of the engine remained at the level of standard Jet A-1 fuel. It is important to note that the use of the new mixture allowed for a reduction in hydrocarbon emissions, while the level of nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide remained unchanged.
The technology for creating biofuel from coconut oil is particularly valuable for Southeast Asian countries, where a significant amount of harvested coconuts is rejected due to non-compliance with trade standards. The results of the scientific work have been published in the journal Fuel, highlighting the importance of this development for the future of the aviation industry.
The development of biofuel from coconut oil could significantly impact the aviation sector, especially in regions where coconut plantations are an important source of economic income. The reduction of hydrocarbon emissions and the use of agricultural waste can help countries facing environmental challenges to reduce their carbon footprint. This technology could also become an important component of the strategy for transitioning to a more sustainable type of fuel in global aviation.