Does anyone know if there is research being done on Alternative Jet Fuels?
Jet fuel, Kerosene is a fossil fuel and more is consumed in a day from the Commercial Airline Industry than almost anything else. Does anyone know if there is research being done on alternative fuels that can replace Jet Fuel?
Yes, but widespread use is decades away.
Government and corporate researchers are looking into ways to power commercial jet engines with alternative fuels, although many caution that widespread use could be years or even decades away.
Scientists face myriad obstacles, including the difficulty of producing, transporting and using massive amounts of these fuels under harsh conditions such as extreme cold. And for now at least, experts say many alternative jet fuels are more expensive than traditional ones.
A big problem, though, is that biodiesel freezes at a much higher temperature than traditional fuel, which could spell trouble in the frigid air at 35,000 feet.
Scientists are working on ways to keep the fuel from freezing so readily. But even if such efforts are successful, another big issue is supply. Scientists say there just isn’t enough U.S. farmland to produce the crops needed to power jetliners, in addition to feeding people.
Jet fuel, like any other hydrocarbon, can be synthesized from any material that contains carbon including biomass. The process is not new and is well developed and well understood. The main problem is one of cost.
Yes, but…
Fuel for airplanes may be the hardest technical problem to solve in reducing use of fossil fuels. Because of the weight issue. Jet fuel has an excellent energy/weight ratio that biofuels can’t match (yet). It might well be the very last large use of fossil fuels, accepted because, with other uses (cars, electric power) shifted to alternative fuels, its’ impact is acceptable.
Especially in military use. Making a non fossil fuel airliner is tough. Making a non fossil fuel jet fighter is daunting.
SEATTLE – The spike in oil prices has prompted plenty of drivers to consider biodiesel-powered or hybrid cars for their daily commute, but what about that gas guzzler we use to fly across country?
Government and corporate researchers are looking into ways to power commercial jet engines with alternative fuels, although many caution that widespread use could be years or even decades away.
Scientists face myriad obstacles, including the difficulty of producing, transporting and using massive amounts of these fuels under harsh conditions such as extreme cold. And for now at least, experts say many alternative jet fuels are more expensive than traditional ones.