| Starting a Turbo Turbine, and Fuel |
| Fuel |
| A jet engine will run on anything that is flammable, but each different fuel needs a different injector aperture. I am going to start off using propane to test the jet and tune the flame tube holes. Propane is the best to start with as it is cheap, readily available and burns well. Also, as it is stored in liquid form and vaporises at room temperature it is self pressurising, so there is no need to worry about pumps and their associated plumbing/wiring. But a downside of this is that the cylinder gradually gets colder and eventually freezes over, causing pressure to significantly drop. Probably the second favourite fuel choice for jets is diesel or kerosene. Although these fuels add more power, they need to be vaporised and pumped at pressure. This may cause problems as it can end up as a plumber's nightmare! Also, because the fuels need to be vaporised the jet is started with propane gas and then when the engine is sufficiantly heated the diesel or kerosene is supplied and the propane turned off. |
| Starting |
| Starting the jet is very easy. First, something that can create a high airflow is required. Second, a spark is required. For the airflow, a leafblower is ideal. For the spark, an ignition system has to be set up. This usually involves a car ignition coil, a 12v source and a driver circuit. This is one that I am planning to make: |
 |
| This driver circuit is very easy to build and the components are readily available. Note that the ground on the diagram and the ground for the sparkplug are two different points and must NOT be connected to the same point!Current consumption is 6-7 amps. Now that we can create a spark, and we have an air supply, we can start. STARTING PROCEDURE 1. Turn on spark generator 2. Start airflow, wait for turbine to stop accelerating 3. Open throttle a crack and wait for fuel to ignite 4. When turbine stabilises, discontinue airflow And thats it. But, be careful not to accelerate the jet too fast as the excess fuel will collect, or 'pool', and then ignite in a big explosion that will more than likely blow out the flame. |
| DISCLAIMER: The Author accepts no responsibility for death or injury as a result of turbo turbine construction. These devices spin at speeds of over 100,000 RPM and will have the same effect as a grenade if they destruct. I also accept no responsibility for partial or complete deafness as a result of improper hearing protection. THESE ENGINES ARE NOT TOYS AND MUST BE TREATED WITH RESPECT!!! |