An investigation of euro diesel-hydrogen dual-fuel combustion at different speeds in a small turbojet engine

Abstract

Purpose This study seeks the effect on static thrust, thrust specific energy consumption (TSEC) and exhaust emissions of euro diesel-hydrogen dual-fuel combustion in a small turbojet engine. Design/methodology/approach Experimental studies are performed in a JetCat P80-SE type small turbojet engine. Euro diesel and hydrogen is fed through two different inlets in a common rail distributing fuel to the nozzles. Euro diesel fuel is fed by a liquid fuel pump to the engine, while hydrogen is fed by a fuel-line with a pressure of 5 bars from a gas cylinder with a pressure of approximately 200 bars. Findings At different engine speeds, it is found that there is a decrease at the TSEC between a range of 1% and 4.8% by different hydrogen energy fractions (HEF). Research limitations/implications The amount of hydrogen is adjusted corresponding to a range of 0–20% of the total heat energy of the euro diesel and hydrogen fuels. The small turbojet engine is operated between a range of 35,000 and 95,000 rpm engine speeds. Practical implications On the other hand, remarkable improvements in exhaust emissions (i.e. CO, CO2, HC and NOx) are observed with HEFs. Originality/value This is through providing improvements in performance and exhaust emissions using hydrogen as an alternative to conventional jet fuel in gas turbine engines.