Barbatene and Thujopsene Fuels for Navy Platform Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel sources for Navy platforms are unsustainable and have a high carbon footprint, limiting their range and loiter time, and relying on nonsustainable petroleum sources.
Innovation Solution
Converting sesquiterpenes into high-density fuels through fermentation, purification, and hydrogenation, which can be blended with other fuels to enhance performance and reduce carbon emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional petroleum-based fuels are used, then current fuel supply requirements are met, but sustainability is poor and carbon footprint is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the fuel by using sesquiterpenes with specific molecular structures (containing isoprene units) to create renewable fuel alternatives that maintain combustion performance while improving sustainability and reducing carbon footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs readily available biomass feedstocks and simple fermentation processes to produce renewable fuels that can replace expensive and environmentally harmful petroleum-based fuels, making sustainable fuel production economically viable
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional jet fuel is used, then current propulsion requirements are met, but volumetric energy density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the fuel's energy density by selecting sesquiterpenes with specific molecular weights and structures (containing multiple isoprene units) that achieve higher volumetric net heat of combustion, directly improving range and loiter time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite fuel formulations by blending different sesquiterpenes (such as barbatene and thujopsene) to optimize energy density and combustion properties, achieving superior volumetric energy density compared to conventional jet fuel
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The resulting fuels offer increased range and loiter time for Navy platforms while reducing reliance on petroleum and lowering carbon emissions, with volumetric net heats of combustion up to 15% higher than conventional jet fuel.
Implementation Method 1
converting sesquiterpenes into high-density fuels through fermentation, purification, and hydrogenation
Implementation Method 2
converting sesquiterpenes into high-density fuels through fermentation, purification, and hydrogenation
Implementation Method 3
volumetric net heats of combustion up to 15% higher than conventional jet fuel
Data Source
AI summary
A process for making high density fuels having the potential to increase the range and/or loiter time of Navy platforms. Derivation of these fuels from a sustainable source will decrease the carbon footprint of the Department of Defense (DoD) and reduce reliance on nonsustainable petroleum sources. Fuels based on barbatene and thujopsene have volumetric energy densities comparable to JP-10 and can be produced from biomass sugars.