Solubility and combustion characterization of methanol/jet A-1 blends enhanced with n-octanol and diethyl ether in lean prevaporized premixed burner

Abstract

This study investigates the stability of mixtures and combustion characteristics of methanol and hydrous methanol blended with Jet A-1 fuel, utilizing n-octanol and diethyl ether (DEE) as co-solvents and ignition boosters in a lean premixed prevaporized (LPP) combustion system. Phase stability studies were performed at ambient temperatures of 10, 20, and 30 °C, revealing that n-octanol efficiently stabilized methanol–Jet A-1 mixtures. The temperature of 30 °C achieved excellent miscibility. Two blends, namely JMOD1 (80 % Jet A-1 + 5 % Methanol+10 % octanol+5 % DEE volume fraction) and JMOD2 (75 % Jet A-1 + 10 % Methanol+10 % octanol+5 % DEE), were subsequently assessed in the LPP combustor alongside pure Jet A-1 (J100) as a reference fuel. The results indicated that JMOD mixes demonstrated more consistent flame patterns, lower peak temperatures, and diminished wall hot spots in comparison to J100. This enhancement is attributable to the elevated oxygen content in methanol, diethyl ether, and n-octanol, which exhibits flame-stabilizing properties. JMOD blends demonstrated a significant capacity to diminish flame peak temperatures and improve combustion uniformity. The results endorse the viability of methanol blends as an alternative fuel for gas turbine applications.