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At least 55 records · Page 3

Utilizing Radiocarbon and Thermo-optical Measurements to Quantify Source Contributions for Aircraft Engine Particulate Emissions

Recent technological advancements in aircraft engine technology and fuel sources have promising potential for reducing particulate emissions from aircraft engines. During the 2022 Boeing ecoDemonstrator ground-based field campaign, particle and trace gas emissions were sampled for four different fuels, including 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), petroleum-based Jet A fuel, petroleum-based Jet A low sulfur fuel, and a SAF blend. Particulate emissions were collected on quartz microfiber filters and analysed for their radiocarbon content and their elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) concentrations. In addition, the radiocarbon content of Jet A fuel, SAF, and aircraft engine oil was also measured. We used the radiocarbon content of the particulate emissions samples and source end members to quantify the relative contribution from engine oil and fuel to carbonaceous aerosol emissions. The results from this study can be used to understand how the implementation of technological advancements in aircraft engine technology and fuel sources will likely impact future aircraft particulate emissions.

Liz Wiggins↗

ORNL Fuels, Engines, and Emissions Research Center (FEERC)

This video highlights the Vehicle Research Laboratory's capabilities at the Fuels, Engines, and Emissions Research Center (FEERC). FEERC is a Department of Energy user facility located at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Potential Climate Impacts of Engine Particle Emissions

Solid (soot) and liquid (presumed sulfate) particle emissions from aircraft engines may have serious impacts on the atmosphere. While the direct radiative impact of these particles is expected to be small relative to those from natural sources (Atmospheric Effects of Subsonic Aircraft: Interim Assessment of the Advanced Subsonic Technology Program, NASA Ref. Pub. 1400, 1997), their indirect effects on atmospheric chemistry and cloud formation may have a significant impact. The potential impacts of primary concern are the increase of sulfate surface area and accelerated heterogeneous chemical reactions, and the potential for either modified soot or sulfate particles to serve as cloud nuclei which would change the frequency or radiative characteristics of clouds. Volatile (sulfate) particle concentrations measured behind the Concorde aircraft in flight in the stratosphere were much higher than expected from near-field model calculations of particle formation and growth. Global model calculations constrained by these data calculate a greater level of stratospheric ozone depletion from the proposed High speed Civil Transport (HSCT) fleet than those without particle emission. Soot particles have also been proposed as important in heterogeneous chemistry but this remains to be substantiated. Aircraft volatile particle production in the troposphere has been shown by measurements to depend strongly on fuel sulfur content. Sulfate particles of sufficient size are known to provide a good nucleating surface for cloud growth. Although pure carbon soot is hydrophobic, the solid particle surface may incorporate more suitable nucleating sites. The non-volatile (soot) particles also tend to occupy the large end of aircraft particle size spectra. Quantitative connection between aircraft particle emissions and cloud modification has not been established yet, however, even small changes in cloud amount or properties could have a significant effect on the radiative balance of the atmosphere.

Kawa, S. Randy↗

General aviation piston-engine exhaust emission reduction

To support the promulgation of aircraft regulations, two airports were examined, Van Nuys and Tamiami. It was determined that the carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from piston-engine aircraft have a significant influence on the CO levels in the ambient air in and around airports, where workers and travelers would be exposed. Emissions standards were set up for control of emissions from aircraft piston engines manufactured after December 31, 1979. The standards selected were based on a technologically feasible and economically reasonable control of carbon monoxide. It was concluded that substantial CO reductions could be realized if the range of typical fuel-air ratios could be narrowed. Thus, improvements in fuel management were determined as reasonable controls.

Kempke, E. E., Jr.↗

Forecast of jet engine exhaust emissions for future high altitude commercial aircraft

Projected minimum levels of engine exhaust emissions that may be practicably achievable for future commercial aircraft operating at high altitude cruise conditions are presented. The forecasts are based on: (1) current knowledge of emission characteristics of combustors and augmentors; (2) the current status of combustion research in emission reduction technology; (3) predictable trends in combustion systems and operating conditions as required for projected engine designs that are candidates for advanced subsonic or supersonic commercial aircraft. Results are presented for cruise conditions in terms of an emission index, g pollutant/kg fuel. Two sets of engine exhaust emission predictions are presented: the first, based on an independent NASA study and the second, based on the consensus of an ad hoc committee composed of industry, university, and government representatives. The consensus forecasts are in general agreement with the NASA forecasts.

Grobman, J.↗

Forecast of jet engine exhaust emissions for future high altitude commercial aircraft

Projected minimum levels of engine exhaust emissions that may be practicably achievable for future commercial aircraft operating at high altitude cruise conditions are presented. The forecasts are based on: (1) current knowledge of emission characteristics of combustors and augmentors; (2) the current status of combustion research in emission reduction technology; and (3) predictable trends in combustion systems and operating conditions as required for projected engine designs that are candidates for advanced subsonic or supersonic commercial aircraft. Results are presented for cruise conditions in terms of an emission index, g pollutant/kg fuel. Two sets of engine exhaust emission predictions are presented: the first, based on an independent NASA study and the second, based on the consensus of an ad hoc committee composed of industry, university, and government representatives. The consensus forecasts are in general agreement with the NASA forecasts.

Grobman, J.↗

Environmental constraints imposed on High-Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) designs

This paper assesses airframe and engine technologies in terms of the preliminary environmental design goals for the HSCT. The preliminary goals are: (1) no adverse change in stratospheric ozone concentration caused by engine emissions; (2) meet FAR Stage 3 noise limits and operate within airport community noise exposure guidelines; and (3) minimize the environmental impact of overland sonic booms. The effects of design Mach number, low-emission combustors, engine fuel efficiency, and route structure are primary parameters affecting stratospheric emission effects. To minimize community noise, the engine cycle/noise suppression devices and high-lift devices must be developed, and operational procedures must be developed. To minimize the sonic boom impact, cruise weight, aircraft length, cruise altitude, and aircraft shape are the prime parameters to be considered. The detrimental effects of environmental constraints on aircraft operational costs are evaluated through tradeoff studies.

Mortlock, Alan↗

Heat Pipes Reduce Engine-Exhaust Emissions

Increased fuel vaporization raises engine efficiency. Heat-pipe technology increased efficiency of heat transfer beyond that obtained by metallic conduction. Resulted in both improved engine operation and reduction in fuel consumption. Raw material conservation through reduced dependence on strategic materials also benefit from this type of heat-pipe technology. Applications result in improved engine performance and cleaner environment.

Schultz, D. F.↗

Jet engine soot emission measured at altitude

The state of knowledge concerning engine design to minimize air pollution is believed to be such that emission products can be reliably predicted while the engine is still on the drawing board. More effort is now being made to measure emission products from engines operating under cruise conditions. The use of an instrumented aircraft to obtain the appropriate data is perhaps a more realistic and less expensive approach. The results of this study taken at face value indicate that the emission index of typical jet engines calculated from the ground level measurements is comparable to the actual in-flight emission index for altitudes up to 30,000 ft.

Rosen, J. M.↗

Hyperspectral Thermal Emission Spectrometer: Engineering Flight Campaign

The Hyperspectral Thermal Emission Spectrometer (HyTES) successfully completed its first set of engineering test flights. HyTES was developed in support of the Hyperspectral Infrared Imager (HyspIRI). HyspIRI is one of the Tier II Decadal Survey missions. HyTES currently provides both high spectral resolution (17 nm) and high spatial resolution (2-5m) data in the thermal infrared (7.5-12 micron) part of the electromagnetic spectrum. HyTES data will be used to help determine the optimum band positions for the HyspIRI Thermal Infrared (TIR) sensor and provide antecedent data for HyspIRI related studies.

HyTES↗

The effect of insulated combustion chamber surfaces on direct-injected diesel engine performance, emissions, and combustion

The combustion chamber of a single-cylinder, direct-injected diesel engine was insulated with ceramic coatings to determine the effect of low heat rejection (LHR) operation on engine performance, emissions, and combustion. In comparison to the baseline cooled engine, the LHR engine had lower thermal efficiency, with higher smoke, particulate, and full load carbon monoxide emissions. The unburned hydrocarbon emissions were reduced across the load range. The nitrous oxide emissions increased at some part-load conditions and were reduced slightly at full loads. The poor LHR engine performance was attributed to degraded combustion characterized by less premixed burning, lower heat release rates, and longer combustion duration compared to the baseline cooled engine.

Dickey, Daniel W.↗

Aircraft Piston Engine Exhaust Emission Symposium

A 2-day symposium on the reduction of exhaust emissions from aircraft piston engines was held on September 14 and 15, 1976, at the Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Papers were presented by both government organizations and the general aviation industry on the status of government contracts, emission measurement problems, data reduction procedures, flight testing, and emission reduction techniques.

Source record↗

Jet engine exhaust emissions of high altitude commercial aircraft projected to 1990

Projected minimum levels of engine exhaust emissions that may be practicably achievable for future commercial aircraft operating at high-altitude cruise conditions are presented. The forecasts are based on:(1) current knowledge of emission characteristics of combustors and augmentors; (2) the status of combustion research in emission reduction technology; and (3) predictable trends in combustion systems and operating conditions as required for projected engine designs that are candidates for advanced subsonic or supersonic commercial aircraft fueled by either JP fuel, liquefied natural gas, or hydrogen. Results are presented for cruise conditions in terms of both an emission index (g constituent/kg fuel) and an emission rate (g constituent/hr).

Grobman, J.↗

Premix fuels study applicable to duct burner conditions for a variable cycle engine

Emission levels and performance of a premixing Jet-A/air duct burner were measured at reference conditions representative of take-off and cruise for a variable cycle engine. In a parametric variation sequence of tests, data were obtained at inlet temperatures of 400, 500 and 600K at equivalence ratios varying from 0.9 to the lean stability limit. Ignition was achieved at all the reference conditions although the CO levels were very high. Significant nonuniformity across the combustor was observed for the emissions at the take-off condition. At a reference Mach number of 0.117 and an inlet temperature of 600K, corresponding to a simulated cruise condition, the NOx emission level was approximately 1 gm/kg-fuel.

Venkataramani, K. S.↗

Efficient Formation of Stratospheric Aerosol for Climate Engineering by Emission of Condensible Vapor from Aircraft

Recent analysis suggests that the effectiveness of stratospheric aerosol climate engineering through emission of non-condensable vapors such as SO2 is limited because the slow conversion to H2SO4 tends to produce aerosol particles that are too large; SO2 injection may be so inefficient that it is difficult to counteract the radiative forcing due to a CO2 doubling. Here we describe an alternate method in which aerosol is formed rapidly in the plume following injection of H2SO4, a condensable vapor, from an aircraft. This method gives better control of particle size and can produce larger radiative forcing with lower sulfur loadings than SO2 injection. Relative to SO2 injection, it may reduce some of the adverse effects of geoengineering such as radiative heating of the lower stratosphere. This method does not, however, alter the fact that such a geoengineered radiative forcing can, at best, only partially compensate for the climate changes produced by CO2.

Pierce, Jeffrey R.↗

Reduction of aircraft gas turbine engine pollutant emissions - A status report

In mid-1971, NASA began a major program in emission reduction technology, which would consist of a continuing in-house effort on low emission combustor concepts and of contracted research programs with the major aircraft engine manufacturers. A description is presented of the design approaches taken by the manufacturers involved in the contracted programs. Current results are compared with EPA standards, and some of the engine related factors are briefly considered. In addition, some results from fundamental technology programs which indicate the emission levels which may be approached by advanced low emission combustors of the future are also discussed. It is found that special engine design features represent at least a partial solution to reducing aircraft emissions for engines of the future.

Diehl, L. A.↗

Detailed Compositional Comparison of Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil with Several Diesel Fuels and Their Effects on Engine-Out Emissions

The Coordinating Research Council (CRC) is actively involved in developing and applying advanced analytical techniques to the chemical characterization of transportation fuels. Here, this article complements a 2017 CRC project to quantify and compare the effects of a commercially available renewable diesel fuel (hydrotreated vegetable oil [HVO]) and an ultralow sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel on engine-out gaseous and particulate matter (PM) emissions from a light-duty vehicle. Results showed that the combustion of HVO fuel had an advantage over ULSD in terms of lowering engine-out emissions (THC, CO, NO x , etc.). Furthermore, this advantage is strongly related to the fuel composition. This article summarizes the results of advanced and comprehensive analytical tests on the same ULSD and HVO fuels and attempts to connect some of the engine-out emissions results to fuel composition and specific chemical structures. A variety of test methods, generally unavailable in combination, were employed, such as one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) gas chromatography (GC), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and high-pressure solid-liquid phase transition experiments. In summary, the ULSD sample was found to have representation across the expected set of hydrocarbon classes typical for the sample type. Interestingly, a high content of cycloparaffins (>50 wt%) and a very low content of diaromatics (~2 wt%) were present. While not without precedent, these are higher and lower, respectively, than typically found for commercial ULSD compositions. In contrast, HVO was found to consist of only two hydrocarbon classes: n-paraffins (~10 wt%) and iso-paraffins (~90 wt%), both predominantly in a narrow carbon atom number range (i.e., C14–C18). HVO engine-out emissions results for the LA-92 and steady-state testing can be tracked to the narrow carbon atom number range of the n-paraffins and iso-paraffins, which result in a high cetane number fuel having a narrow distillation range. Previously, the low-temperature operability of HVO has been a concern, but that appears not be the case for this particular HVO. HVO and ULSD were evaluated at pressures up to ~275 MPa and found to have comparable solid-liquid equilibria despite significant compositional differences.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Fuel Property Effects of a Broad Range of Potential Biofuels on Mixing Control Compression Ignition Engine Performance and Emissions

Conventional diesel engines will continue to hold a vital role in the heavy- and medium-duty markets for the transportation of goods along with many other uses. The ability to offset traditional diesel fuels with low-net-carbon biofuels could have a significant impact on reducing the carbon footprint of these vehicles. A prior study screened several hundred candidate biofuel blendstocks based on required diesel blendstock properties and identified 12 as the most promising. Eight representative biofuel blendstocks were blended at a 30% volumetric concentration with EPA certification ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) and were investigated for emissions and fuel efficiency performance. This study used a single cylinder engine (based on the Ford 6.7L engine) using Conventional Diesel Combustion (CDC), also known as Mixing Control Compression Ignition (MCCI). The density, cetane number, distillation curve and sooting tendency (using the yield sooting index method) of the fuels were measured. Start of injection (SOI) timing and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) sweeps were conducted at three separate speed-load operating points to examine fuel effects on the NOX/soot and NOX/efficiency trade-offs as well as to evaluate EGR tolerance. The results show that the biofuel blends all reduced NOX and soot emissions without penalty to engine efficiency, even improving efficiency for some of the blends at certain points, with one particular blend of polyoxymethylene ethers (POMEs) improving efficiency at all points while drastically reducing soot by 79%.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗