Combustion Chemistry of Fischer-Tropsch and Hydrotreated Renewable Fuels

Fischer-Tropsch (FT) and Hydrotreated Renewable (HR) fuels derived from biomass are potential renewable hydrocarbon fuels. The bulk physical chemical properties of these are similar to those of conventional petroleum derived diesel and jet fuels, so they can readily be used in compression ignition engine and gas turbine applications. However, the chemical composition of FT and HR fuels is different than petroleum fuels, thereby affecting important combustion performance parameters (e.g., ignition and emissions formation). FT and HR fuels typically contain higher concentration of n-alkanes and lightly branched alkanes with one are two methyl branches. This research project presents a detailed chemical kinetic mechanisms for 2-methylkalkanes, 3-methyalkanes, and symmetrical dimethylalkanes. The model is validated against experimental data from a variety of fundamental combustion devices. This new model is used to show how the presence of a methyl branches and their location affects ignition, extinction, flame speed, and species formation.