Biojet Fuels from Nonedible Bio-oils and Cellulosic Biomass

The proposed program addresses the emerging needs for the Navy to have cost effective alternative liquid transportation biofuels. The main objectives are to produce bio-jet and bio-diesel fuels from cellulosic biomass and nonedible bio-oils and demonstrate that they have cost structure and product quality comparable to petroleum based fuels. Novel concepts in processing, reactor design and catalyst systems are employed in this integrated approach of hydrogen production from cellulosic biomass and nonedible bio-oils conversion to produce bio-jet. Through molecular manipulations, the proposed approach allows the production of “designer” biofuels. The technology offers a means to tailor product properties to give better shelf life, maximize the jet cut yield, provide better combustion and ignition characteristics and better cold flow properties of the biofuels. Biofuel pilot plant will be built in Phase II work to process different feedstocks and deliver to ONR finished bio-jet for fuel characterization and engine tests. Economic evaluations will be performed in Phase II to assess viability of operation of commercial demonstration biofuel plants for Naval applications. Successful proof of concept testing in Phase I efforts has provided good confidence for high probability of success in achieving Phase II objectives.