Advanced alternative ground and air transport fuels from residual lipids - Lipid4fuel

Project funded by the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union and Greek national funds through the Operational Program Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation under the call RESEARCH–CREATE–INNOVATE, Project code: T2EDK-00034

The project aimed to develop innovative technology for the production of alternative fuels from residual lipids, such as used cooking oils, through modern thermochemical processes.
Its goal was to reduce pollutant emissions and enhance sustainability and viability in both ground and air transport.
The Laboratory of Thermal Turbomachines (LTT) studied the use of the new biofuel produced within the project in aircraft gas turbine engines, with the research results proving to be particularly encouraging.
In experimental tests using fuel blends containing 10% to 60% bio-kerosene, conducted on a small aircraft turbojet engine, the following results were observed:

  • Reduced fuel consumption, due to the higher lower heating value (LHV) of the biofuel.
  • Reduction of NOx emissions by up to 15% and CO emissions by up to 12%, as the biofuel content increased.
  • Improved exhaust gas temperature (EGT) distribution, enhancing engine performance and lifespan.

The analytical evaluation of the use of the produced bio-kerosene in a 50% blend with conventional fuel showed that:

  • The engines require no modifications.
  • Fuel consumption decreases by approximately 1%, regardless of flight range.
  • Pollutant emissions are significantly reduced:
    • CO₂ up to 2%
    • NOx up to 20%
    • CO up to 7%

 

Video from Engine Tests

 

Publications

Villette S, Adam D, Alexiou A, Aretakis N, Mathioudakis K. (2024). "A Simplified Chemical Reactor Network Approach for Aeroengine Combustion Chamber Modeling and Preliminary Design. Aerospace. 2024; 11(1):22. (The paper has been selected as the journal issue cover). https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11010022.

Villette S, Alexiou A, Aretakis N, Mathioudakis K. (2025). "Expanding Known Performance Capabilities of Geared Turbofan Engine When Powered by LNG and Methanol. Aerospace. 2025; 12(2):96. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12020096.