Simulation of the combustion of bio-derived fuels in a CFM56-3 combustor

Aviation pollutants emmissions are a nowadays high concern. Biofuels can be used to reduce fossil fuels dependence, especially the ones that does not require adaptation of the fuel distribution network nor the engine fuel systems. A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation of a CFM56-3 combustor burning Jet-A and a 100% blend of biofuels, was performed. Viability of use of these biofuels was performed, by analyzing emissions and energy extracted. Conditions of this study were based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Landing and Take-Off (LTO) cycles. Biofuels considered were extracted from jatropha seeds, algae and sunflower. Results show reasonable agreement with reference values presented by ICAO for Jet-A. The biofuel that presented the best performance in ICAOs LTO cycle regarding nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons emissions was sunflower biofuel. Jatropha biofuel presented the highest carbon dioxide reduction, representing a 20% decrease from Jet-A, and the energy extracted represented a minimal decrease of 6%. It can be concluded that the biofuels studied have potential to replace kerosene, and despite more biofuel has to be burned to produce the same amount of energy as Jet-A, a significant reduction in emissions is predicted.