New Biofuel for Jets in the Works
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 02.28.06
A new biofuel for jet engine could be in the works. Researchers in North Dakota say they have been working for four years on a process that converts soybean or canola oil into aviation turbine fuel. The biofuel, which is now almost ready for an Air Force test, runs colder and cheaper than conventional jet fuel and is more environmentally friendly, the Grand Forks Herald reported on Friday.
The researchers said they have found a way to solve a problem with the fuel's tendency to "gel" at low temperatures, and that it is now working at temperatures of 75 below zero (Fahrenheit). Air Force scientists have tested earlier versions of the fuel, and found it performed as well as regular JP-8 jet fuel. The biofuel is being studied by a new sustainable-energy initiative between the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University in Fargo.
See also this previous post with a discussion about biodiesel in jets, and this post discussing Virgin's idea to use ethanol in their jets.
Via: Groovy Green and AV Web
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That would be wonderful. The day this airplane-bio-fuel is being used in usual passenger-airplanes will be the day, when I will climb into an airplane and fly the first time.
Everyone, who has flown before will than be able to fly with a far better concience.
I'm not to sure about thiis. I feel as though the commercial jet engine would not be able to handle the thrust needed on heavy loads or during extreme weather conditions. My theory is that the engine would stall, especially if one engine fails and the other needs to compensate.
The problem with bio fuels is that they do not have even remotely as high of a energy returned on energy invested (EROEI) as fossil fuels. If there were a highly efficient means to produce bio fuels that did not require huge acreage, petroleum based pesticides and herbicides, etc, that would be a tremendous step forward for mankind.