Exploring Performance of Pyrolysis-Derived Plastic Oils in Gas Turbine Engines

Abstract

This study explores the intersection of waste management and sustainable fuel production, focusing on the pyrolysis of plastic waste, specifically polystyrene. We examine the physicochemical parameters of the resulting waste plastic pyrolytic oils (WPPOs), blended with kerosene to form a potential alternative fuel for gas turbines. Our findings reveal that all WPPO blends lead to increased emissions, with NOX rising by an average of 61% and CO by 25%. Increasing the proportion of WPPO also resulted in a higher exhaust gas temperature, with an average rise of 12.2%. However, the thrust-specific fuel consumption (TSFC) decreased by an average of 13.8%, impacting the overall efficiency of waste-derived fuels. This study underscores the need for integrated waste-to-energy systems, bridging the gap between waste management and resource utilization.