Research projects

Thematic research & development programs (TemTA-144 (EMÜ & EAVA))

Development of nano-additives to optimize jet fuel combustion and reduce carbon footprint

The research team regroups PhD students, researchers and professors from Estonian University of Life Science and Estonian Aviation Academy. The main goal of the project is to develop solutions based on nanotechnology to make biofuel suitable for air freight and airplane and decrease the carbon foot-print of air freight to mitigate climate change and reduce pollution from this human activity.

Goals of the project:

Climate change is already affecting our daily lives due to the greenhouse effect produced by the massive consumption of fossil fuels. Combustion engines are still a necessity in air freight due to the lack of suitable replacements available, even biofuels (SAF) are not suitable. To enable a smooth energy transition, it is necessary to reduce the carbon footprint and harmful emissions in the short-term. Nano-additives in fuel are a promising alternative. They can promote a better combustion, increase the engine power and yield and thus promote the reduction of harmful emission and make biofuel suitable for air freight. Plant extracts from waste used for the synthesis of nano-additives will ensure eco-friendly and cost-effective process, in turn promoting circular economy and waste reduction. The technology can be horizontally translated to maritime transport, house heating using fossil fuels, to reduce harmful emissions and combat climate change by decarbonizing energy consumption. This research project is funded by Sihtasutus Eesti Teadusagentuur(ETAg).

First Milestone  is reached:

The EAVA team has completed the modifications to an aircraft turbomotor, now equipped with sensors to measure pressure, airspeed, temperature, and more – all connected to an automated data acquisition system for real-time monitoring. A tailor-made bleed valve, similar to those in real jet engines, has been installed, and a gas analyser will soon be added to monitor emissions. 📊

The researcher from EMÜ are developing innovative nanoparticle additives 🧪 from sustainable sources, a great example of the circular economy in action! 🔄
🔜 Next step: We will begin testing the engine with these different nanoparticle additives to study engine efficiency and emissions profiles.

News and Project updates

01/06/2025

Prof. Protima Rauwel published a popular science article in Tehnikamaailm on Sustainable aviation: “Sustainable aviation – are we up to the challenge? / Kestlik lennundus – kas tuleme väljakutsega toime?”, the article is in Estonian, but easy to translate. It give an overview of the problematic related to the carbonfoot pring of air freight and what are the present challenges to face with which possible solution. Enjoy the reading!

10/03/2025

We have successfully prepared nanoparticle additives using food waste that are now mixed with jet fuel. Coming Tuesday 15th April at EAVA, we will perform the first combustion tests with fuel containing 40 ppm of nano-additives, and compare the combustion performances between pure jet fuel and jet A1 fuel with nano-additives.
The video shows the prepared colloid fuel (on the left side) that will be used for the tests. The laser highlights the formation of the colloid due to the presence of nanoadditives. The goal is to use similar nanotechnologies to improve the combustion properties of the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and increase the quantities of biofuels in jet fuel to make them suitable for aviation.

04/03/2025

🚀 Exciting milestone from the Tem-TA144 project posted on Linkedin.

At the Estonian Aviation Academy (EAVA), the team has completed modifications to an aircraft turbomotor, now equipped with sensors to measure pressure, airspeed, temperature, and more – all connected to an automated data acquisition system for real-time monitoring.
A tailor-made bleed valve, similar to those in real jet engines, has been installed, and a gas analyser will soon be added to monitor emissions. 📊
🔜 Next up:
We’ll begin testing the engine with these different nanoparticle additives to study engine efficiency and emissions profiles. Stay tuned for results!📈

30/01/2025

Today, we successfully tested the gas turbine for the combustion tests. The gas turbine is equipped with different sensors to control the combustion and turbine functionning. All parameters are monitored on live. Thanks to Neethu, Shafiqu and Madis for their excellent work. Most of the reseach team was there for the first test and you can watch the video of the first test HERE!  Congratulations to all the team!

 

08/11/2024

A first movie that highlights success stories related to TemTA program has been showed at Mustamäe Apollo cinema in Tallinn, and it is now available to anyone here. The new program helps to make research projects more relevant to society’s needs.

13/06/2024

Congratulations to our Masters student Richard Erelt who successfully defended his Masters thesis on Assessment of Nanoparticles-Based Additives in Jet-Fuels Combustion. During the defense, the whole jury recognized unanimously the well performed research work.

Senior research team:

PhD students:

Master students:

Former Participants:

  • M. Richard Erelt (Master thesis)