Dry jet fuel from algae

[Johnny_L.A]

I thought I’d share this.

A company in Utah has developed a dry fuel derived from algae for use in turbine engines. The engines need no modification to use the fuel, but a fuel delivery system needs to be devised to feed the powdered fuel to them.

Another benefit of the fuel, said Fulton, is that it’s easy to transport and store. He also noted that the fuel has specific advantages for use at low temperatures and high altitudes. “Most other biofuels, especially those for aviation use, tend to gel,” Fulton said. “They become nearly solid, whereas the powered fuel that I’ve created is even more fluid or viscous at low temperatures. In other words, it becomes better for use in a jet engine, although it is exquisite at room temperature and even relatively high temperatures.”

[Balance]

Interesting. I can see where the delivery system would present some challenges (even assuming the fuel itself works just as well as they claim). I would be concerned about moisture getting into the system and other things that could cause clumping. That aside, I see no reason in principle why it shouldn’t work, and it ought to be more efficient than trying to extract oils from the algae for fuel.

[Max_the_Immortal]

Neat! I wonder if it could be combined with this technology.

[mnemosyne]

Given the current rate of integration of new technology into aircraft, we may see this being used in commercial aviation sometime around…oh, 2087 or so. Still, very cool.

[Johnny_L.A]

It’s funny because it’s true.

[jz78817]

well, given that some researchers are getting biodiesel from algae, and given jet fuel is basically kerosene which is pretty closely related to diesel fuel, I don’t see this as too far-fetched. the only gotcha I know of right now with biodiesel is its inability to tolerate cold temperatures.

edit: which, had I read the OP carefully, has been addressed by the company in question.