Scientists reveal details of new study into sustainable aircraft fuels (SAF) especially the emissions on takeoff
A team of scientists have completed tests to quantify the emissions from the combustion of sustainable aviation fuels, revealing a profound reduction when compared to regular jet fuel.
Researchers from the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS), including those from The University of Manchester, compared standard jet fuels with several different blends of sustainable aviation fuel, including fuels supplied by Neste.
They monitored the emissions produced by two different engines, included those used on the FAAM Airborne Laboratory’s BAe-146-301 aircraft using CFS Aero facilities at Hawarden Airport.
The aviation sector was responsible for more than 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2021, but sustainable aviation fuel has the potential to reduce climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions – such as carbon dioxide – in aviation by up to 80% when compared to standard jet fuel. It also has the potential to benefit local air quality.
Findings from the research found that emissions of ultrafine black carbon at low thrust, which directly impacts local air quality, was 45% less in number and 80% less in mass for every kilogram of blended sustainable aviation fuel burnt.
The results could help reduce the climate warming effects of aviation globally.
Dr Paul I Williams, NCAS research scientist based at The University of Manchester, said: “As aviation and the UKRI funding bodies move towards carbon neutral, it is important to understand what effects these alternative fuels have. This study is really important to understand these effects and to provide the UK with capability to make these assessments in the future as new fuels and technologies are developed.”
Sustainable aviation fuel is made from renewable biomass and waste resources and can be used as a direct replacement for jet fuel sourced from crude oil. These fuels are blended with standard jet fuels so they are compatible with all current aircraft, including the FAAM aircraft.
The goal is by 2050, all Jet fuels will be 100% synthetic and not from fossil fuels.
The ground-based engine testing enabled the team to detect a range of air pollutant emissions created by the combustion of blended aviation biofuel and HEFA fuel – to compare emissions between fuels from sustainable and non-sustainable sources.
The chemical and physical properties of emitted gases and particles – such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and suspended small particles – were evaluated.
Using a sample probe developed by SCITEK, and equipment from The University of Manchester, Cardiff University and York University, emissions were measured within the engine exhaust.
Read more on this story HERE
