Chlorella vulgaris microalgae derived blends in micro gas turbine engines: A comprehensive environmental impact analysis for highway vehicle applications

The significant benefits of microalgae biofuel have made it a preferred choice in various industries, including aviation. Microgas turbine engines can be promising choice for highway vehicles. This research paper investigates the process of producing fuel from microalgae, as well as its performance and emission characteristics in the micro gas turbine engine operating at sea level conditions for highway vehicle applications. A two-step extraction and transesterification process were employed to convert the biofuel, using a batch stirrer reactor for esterification. The preparation of biofuel blends followed the volume fraction method at the concentration of 10% and 30%. Additionally, nanoparticles were incorporated into the blends at a 50 ppm concentration to enhance overall characteristics of the engine. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles, known for their high surface-to-volume ratio, were used for this purpose. Experimental tests were conducted on a 30 kW micro gas turbine engine to evaluate the fuel's quality in terms of performance and emissions. Various parameters were measured at different engine speed, including 30,000 rpm, 40,000 rpm, 50,000 rpm, 60,000 rpm, and 70,000 rpm. The results obtained clearly demonstrate that the optimal blending of biofuel with neat Jet-A fuel improves performance by generating the required thrust while significantly reducing harmful gas emissions. Furthermore, the addition of nanoparticles acted as a catalyst and enhanced the quality of the fuel blends, making them an efficient alternative for aircraft engines as well. Added to above, there is an significant reduction in the emission of the CO has been noted across wide range of speed. From the results it is evident that microgas turbine engine can be an ideal choice for the highway vehicles to meet reduced carbon emissions.