Future Fuels for Automotive Gas Turbines

The two most important characteristics of gas turbine fuel requirements are high temperature corrosion characteristics and radiation effects on metal temperatures. One problem area is that sulfur attack takes place even with relatively low concentrations of sulfur in the fuel and is accelerated by increased temperature. A solution to this problem has been the use of more resistant alloys or protective coatings.

Some conclusions pertaining to radiation effect are (a) fuel composition affects radiant heat transfer, (b) combustor design can have a significant effect on metal temperature and life, (c) minimum flame radiation is desirable for minimum metal temperature and increased engine life.

Engine deposits are fuel and engine interrelated and, as the author points out, gas turbine engineers have been able to design around fuel deposition tendencies with considerable success to date. In conclusion, it is believed that the oil industry will meet quality and supply requirements which may result from commercialization of the automotive gas turbine engine.