Reducing Environmental Impact of Jet Engines by Hydrogen Co-combustion

Abstract

Due to the need to mitigate global warming, there is a growing interest in alternative fuels for various means of transport, including aviation gas-turbine engines. The work aimed to check the impact of hydrogen co-combustion on the performance and emissions of aircraft engines. Zero-dimensional models of JetCat P140 RXI and DGEN 380 engines developed in the GSP (Gas Turbine Simulation Program) program were used in the research. Combustion calculations in GSP are based on the real gas model and NASA Chemical Equilibrium Applications (CEA) equations. The performance of the engines fueled by Jet A-1 and blends containing hydrogen or methane were calculated. The simulations were performed at the design point on the ground, and then in flight for selected altitudes and flight speeds. With an increase in the gas content in the blend, the thrust and temperature behind the turbine slightly increase, and the specific fuel consumption decreases, because hydrogen and methane have a higher calorific value. The performance of JetCat and DGEN 380 engines was calculated for blends of kerosene with methane or hydrogen. This knowledge will be used to convert these engines to gaseous fuels. In terms of fuels and emissions, GSP has limitations related to the set of available chemicals and the zero-dimensional model of the combustor.