Greening Gas Turbines: Survey on the Use of Biodiesel Blends in Light-Duty Applications

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bharath Institute of Higher Education &Research, Chennai. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bharath Institute of Higher Education &Research, Chennai Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bharath Institute of Higher Education &Research, Chennai

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Published online: 16 April 2026

Abstract

The article delivers an extensive analysis of biodiesel blend applications which include KFME (Karanja Fatty Acid Methyl Esters) in light-duty gas turbine operations. The review integrates findings from studies which appeared in peer-reviewed journals between 2007 and 2023 to investigate biodiesel combustion behavior in turbine systems. The review selected studies which showed relevance to turbine engine performance and combustion behavior and emission patterns and fuel atomization and material compatibility. B20-B40 stands out as the best blend option among all tested blends because it delivers optimal engine performance with minimal emissions. The KFME molecular structure contains oxygenated components which decrease carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions yet increase nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions under specific operating scenarios. Successful implementation requires resolution of several technical issues which include injector design optimization and fuel preconditioning and material compatibility problems that affect elastomers and non-ferrous metals. KFME functions as a better biodiesel feedstock because it provides excellent fuel characteristics which include high cetane number and low sulfur content and enhanced oxidative stability. The characteristics of KFME make it suitable for use in light-duty gas turbine systems which power unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and auxiliary power units (APUs). The aviation fuel certification process requires additional long-term durability assessments and cold-flow studies before regulatory bodies will accept the new product.