Burning biofuels

Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is leading a research effort to investigate how biofuels might power small and medium size aero engines.

The company is evaluating the feasibility of using "second generation" biofuels that originate from sources that do not compete with human food sources. These could include jatropha and algae derived biofuels, as well as biobutanol to power aircraft engines.

The objectives of the four-year project include identifying and assessing appropriate biofuels, studying their effect on engine components such as combustors and fuel systems, developing appropriate technologies and design changes to accommodate them, and conducting tests comparing current jet fuels with first generation ethanol, as well as second generation biofuels.

The fuel project is one of several initiatives announced recently by the governments of Canada and India under a joint research collaboration agreement in the field of science and technology.

The Canadian portion is being funded through the International Science and Technology Partnerships Program.