Jet fuel is a common logistics fuel, even for small, mobile systems. At low power output (<2 kWe), technologies such as Stirling engines, thermo electric and thermo-photovoltaic generators have the potential to compete with diesel engines, but require reliable jet fuel combustion. Hydrogen enrichment is presented as a control parameter to improve jet fuel combustion.
Research in fuel reforming gives an opportunity for hydrogen production at the point of use. Hydrogen enriched combustion of jet fuel seeks to take advantage of the energy density of jet fuel and the combustibility of hydrogen.
Experiments were conducted with atomized jet fuel in a 5 kWth open flame. Jet fuel is sprayed through an air atomizing nozzle. Hydrogen was added to either the atomizing air or to a concentric tube supplying the main combustion air. During hydrogen enrichment, jet fuel flow rate was reduced to maintain constant fuel energy input. Temperature is measured vertically and laterally through the flame. Gaseous emissions are measured above the visible flame.
In these experiments, hydrogen represented up to 26% of the fuel energy contribution. Substantial changes to the combustion profile occur with small amounts of hydrogen enrichment. The advantages it provides represent opportunities for reduced size, improved operational reliability and control and reduced pollutant emissions.
