Scientists at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology ( KIT ) have achieved a breakthrough in the production of synthetic fuels, improving the opportunities for greener aviation, a mode of transport heavily dependent on kerosene and other polluting fuels.
The production of emission-free synthetic fuels
One of the technologies in this development is the coelectrolysis of carbon dioxide and water vapor , a highly efficient process that converts these compounds directly into synthesis gas. This synthesis gas, composed of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, is essential for the production of synthetic kerosene using Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.
The coelectrolysis process implemented at KIT’s research facility is distinguished by its ability to recover up to 85% of the electrical energy used, converting it into chemical energy in the synthesis gas. This process simplifies synthesis gas production and improves overall energy efficiency. According to Sunfire engineer Hubertus Richter, the integration of this technology improves system reliability and availability.
Currently, the KIT plant produces up to 100 liters of synthetic crude oil per day, but with the support of INERATEC , this figure will be increased in subsequent phases of the project. The goal is to reach a capacity of 300 liters per day in phase two, and in the final phase, it is expected to produce tons of kerosene for use in testing by aircraft engine manufacturers and other research entities.
The scope and power of synthetic fuels. Source: KIT Learning and Knowledge
The work demonstrates that coelectrolysis technology can improve fuel production efficiency while enabling seamless and scalable process integration. By integrating different process steps, such as syngas production and its conversion to hydrocarbons using Fischer-Tropsch , efficient large-scale synthetic kerosene production is achieved.
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Source: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Photo: Amadeus Bramsiepe, KIT
