Jet Engine Thrust Test - Fuel Experiment (Jet-A vs Diesel vs BioDiesel vs HydroDiesel)

Summary

In this video, the creator tests a jet engine on four different fuels—jet fuel, diesel, biodiesel, and hydro diesel (80% diesel, 20% water)—to compare their power output. The experiment involves setting up a jet dyno and measuring fuel consumption, engine response, and sound differences. The creator observes subtle differences in fuel behavior, such as slower RPM reduction with diesel and more smoke with biodiesel. The results are shared, with a follow-up plan for lubricity tests on the fuels. The episode highlights the creator's passion for precision engineering and fuel experimentation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The creator is testing four different fuels (jet fuel, diesel, biodiesel, and hydro diesel) to see which one produces the most power in a jet engine.
• 😀 A custom-built jet dynamometer (dyno) was used to measure the thrust produced by the engine while testing the fuels.
• 😀 Jet fuel was the first fuel tested, with around 1000 milliliters consumed during the test, delivering impressive power and sound.
• 😀 Diesel fuel showed a slower throttle response compared to jet fuel, taking longer to idle down when reducing the throttle.
• 😀 Biodiesel produced more smoke than diesel but consumed slightly less fuel during the same test run.
• 😀 Hydro diesel (a mix of 80% diesel and 20% water) was the final fuel tested, and despite its unconventional composition, the engine burned it without any issues.
• 😀 The creator noted the importance of using a FOD (Foreign Object Debris) screen in projects like these, especially at lower altitudes.
• 😀 The difference in fuel performance led to discussions about fuel consistency, energy content, and lubrication, especially with fuels lacking sulfur.
• 😀 The creator mentioned that the fuels used in the tests may have lower sulfur content, which affects lubrication in modern engines.
• 😀 The creator directed viewers to a future video by Project Farm to test the lubricity of the four fuels used in this experiment.

Q & A

What is the purpose of testing four different fuels in the jet engine?

The purpose of testing the four different fuels—jet fuel, diesel, biodiesel, and hydro diesel—is to determine which fuel generates the most power when used in the jet engine.

What is the significance of the water jet in this project?

The water jet was not initially intended for this project, but after discovering its precision, it was repurposed to assist in creating equipment that could help bring creative engineering ideas to life.

Why is hydro diesel described as having 'ice' in it?

Hydro diesel contains a mixture of 80% diesel and 20% water, which leads to an interesting appearance and behavior. When observed, it seems to have an icy consistency, which may be surprising given that it is a fuel blend.

How does the jet engine's performance differ when running on diesel compared to jet fuel?

The engine's RPM decreases more slowly when running on diesel, taking about two seconds to transition from full throttle to idle, as opposed to jet fuel, which responds more quickly. The fuel also has a different smell and appearance when the engine is shut off.

What was noted about biodiesel in comparison to diesel fuel?

Biodiesel produced more smoke than diesel fuel, burned slightly less fuel, and emitted a different sound. The engine performance on biodiesel seemed a bit different, but it consumed marginally less fuel during the test.

What is hydro diesel, and how did the jet engine perform with it?

Hydro diesel is a blend of 80% diesel and 20% water. The engine was able to burn it effectively, and it consumed about 950 milliliters of hydro diesel during the test. The performance was observed to be similar to the other fuels, but with unique characteristics.

What challenge did the narrator face while working with the fuels?

One challenge involved managing the hydro diesel, which had been sitting outside for over a year. The fuel needed to be defrosted before it could be used in the testing, which was a time-consuming task.

Why is lubricity an important factor in testing these fuels?

Lubricity is important because certain fuels, like diesel, contain sulfur that acts as a lubricator for the engine components. With the shift to ultra-low sulfur diesel and the use of alternative fuels, there is concern over how these fuels might affect engine lubrication.

How was the fuel consumption measured during the tests?

Fuel consumption was measured by running the jet engine through a consistent sequence: 20 seconds at full throttle, 20 seconds at idle, another 20 seconds at full throttle, followed by a cooldown and shutdown. The fuel usage was tracked during these runs.

What additional test is planned after this experiment?

An additional lubricity test is planned. The creator has sent the four fuels tested to Project Farm, where a lubricity test will be conducted to determine how each fuel affects engine lubrication, which will be featured in a future video.