Session: Poster Session

Paper Number: 162756

Development of a Test Cell for Ammonia Combustion in an Aircraft Turbojet Engine 

Anthropogenic carbon emissions are the leading cause of climate change in the world. One source of these emissions is the aviation industry, contributing about 2.5% of global emissions. With the projected increase in demand for air travel, this percentage is likely to increase as well. To reduce the aviation industry’s contribution to global carbon emissions, it is necessary to develop carbon-free alternatives. Ammonia is a fuel which has been studied extensively in the past several years, with possible applications in spark-ignition and compression-ignition engines. Its potential as an alternative fuel source has also been studied in land-based gas turbines. In this poster, we present ongoing work in developing a test cell that can combust ammonia in an aircraft gas turbine engine. To the authors’ knowledge, this test cell is the first of its kind in the world. We present detailed information on the design of the fuel system, including information on the thermodynamic state of the ammonia from storage to injection into the combustor. Accompanying hydrogen and nitrogen storage containers are implemented to blend with ammonia to simulate cracked ammonia combustion. This work also covers necessary safety features in the design of a turbojet engine test cell. For example, the test cell is situated in a 40-foot shipping container with an inert gas suppression system and automated doors to contain the engine in the event of a fire. A structure is presented which supports the engine during testing and another structure surrounds the hot section of the engine to contain shrapnel in the event of an explosion. Optical diagnostics and control systems are also presented which allow for precise monitoring of the engine and the exhaust stream.

Presenting Author: David Zamora University of Central Florida

Presenting Author Biography: David Zamora is a PhD student at the University of Central Florida researching ammonia combustion in swirl-stabilized combustors, with particular application to aviation gas turbine engines. His recent work is in the development of a test cell for combusting ammonia in a turbojet engine.

Authors:

David Zamora University of Central Florida
Christopher Loving University of Central Florida
Justin Urso University of Central Florida
Erik Fernandez University of Central Florida
Marcel Otto University of Central Florida
Jayanta Kapat University of Central Florida
Subith Vasu University of Central Florida