Limonane Jet Fuel Composition for Renewable Engine Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a biofuel suitable for use in jet engines, as existing biofuels are not compatible with jet engine technology, and current jet fuels are not renewable.
Innovation Solution
Development of a fuel composition comprising limonane and a petroleum-based fuel, with optional aromatic compounds like p-cymene, produced at least in part from a microorganism, meeting specific density, flash point, and freezing point requirements, and compatible with jet engine specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If existing biofuels are used, then renewable energy is provided, but they are not compatible with jet engine technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of biofuel by hydrogenating isoprenoid compounds to produce limonane, and further transforming it into jet fuel-compatible components. This chemical parameter transformation enables the fuel to meet jet engine specifications while maintaining renewable characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite fuel composition by blending limonane-derived components with petroleum-based jet fuel or other biofuel components. This composite approach allows the fuel to achieve both renewability and jet engine compatibility by combining the advantages of different fuel types
2Reliability
If conventional jet fuel is used, then jet engine compatibility is achieved, but it is not renewable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms renewable biomass-derived isoprenoids through hydrogenation and chemical modification to achieve the physical and chemical parameters required for jet fuel compatibility, thereby converting non-compatible renewable materials into jet-engine-ready fuel
3Use of energy by moving object
If limonane is produced from isoprenoid starting materials through hydrogenation, then a renewable fuel component is created, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary hydrogenation of isoprenoid starting materials to produce limonane, which serves as a pre-processed intermediate that requires fewer subsequent processing steps to achieve jet fuel specifications, thereby reducing overall processing complexity
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 fuel composition provides a renewable, jet engine-compatible biofuel that meets ASTM D 1655 specifications for Jet A, Jet A-1, or Jet B, offering improved performance and sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
contacting an isoprenoid starting material with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to form a limonane
Implementation Method 2
contacting a cell capable of making an isoprenoid starting material with the simple sugar under conditions suitable for making the isoprenoid starting material
Implementation Method 3
combusting one or more of the fuel compositions disclosed herein
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are, among other things, jet fuel compositions and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, the fuel compositions comprise at least a fuel component readily and efficiently produced, at least in part, from a microorganism. In certain embodiments, the fuel compositions provided herein comprise a high concentration of at least a bioengineered fuel component. In further embodiments, the fuel compositions provided herein comprise limonane.