Thanks, we'll take any good news, large or small, right now
. Even better, the fuel created by the process is allegedly a drop-in alternative to fossil-derived aviation fuel that can be used without changes to storage or distribution infrastructure.Synthesizing kerosene pure enough to be used as jet fuel from thin air isn't even a new concept. We know it can be formed from something called synthesis gas, or syngas, which is a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
Crucially, the goal of this particular project is to produce a clean, carbon-neutral form of syngas that doesn't create additional emissions. According to the researchers, the best way to do that is with solar energy. For their test-scale unit, the researchers built an array of 169 sun-tracking reflectors that focus approximately 15kW of solar energy at a 16-inch aperture on a tower-mounted solar reactor. According to the researchers, the solar energy directed at the reactor"corresponds to an average solar concentration ratio of approximately 2,500 suns, with a peak above 4,000 suns."
Inside the reactor, temperatures reach approximately 1,500°C , which is hot enough to split captured carbon dioxide and atmospheric water vapor to form syngas. As it cools, the syngas flows out of the reactor to a gas-to-liquid unit that processes it into kerosene. According to the researchers, the syngas produced by the reactor has selectivity, purity, and quality high enough to make it suitable for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, which turns liquid syngas made from hydrogen and carbon monoxide into hydrocarbons we can use to fly planes.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Energy firms pull exclusive fixed deals as fears of £3,600 energy bills loomENERGY firms including British Gas and EDF are ditching exclusive market-leading fixed tariffs as wholesale prices rocket. Yesterday, analysts predicted that bills will rise to £3,616 this winter. …
Read more »
Line of Duty's Vicky McClure visits real-life AC-12Nottinghamshire Police say the BBC drama has 'done wonders' for them in terms of recruitment.
Read more »
'Three different forms' of long Covid, say scientistsResearchers have examined hundreds of patients
Read more »
New Owner of Several Famous London Restaurants Greets Closure of Designer Outlet Spin-Off With Furious StatementBicester Village wants Cafe Wolseley gone, and Wolseley Hospitality Group, née Corbin and King, is not impressed
Read more »