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Book part
Publication date: 23 December 2013

Lucy Budd and Thomas Budd

To examine the role of new aeronautical technologies in improving commercial aviation’s environmental performance.

Abstract

Purpose

To examine the role of new aeronautical technologies in improving commercial aviation’s environmental performance.

Methodology/approach

Reviews the environmental improvements that may be conferred through the adoption of alternative aviation fuels and new airframe, engine and navigation technologies.

Findings

Although aeronautical technologies have evolved considerably since the earliest days of powered flight, the aviation industry is now reaching a point of diminishing returns as growing global consumer demand for air transport outstrips incremental improvements in environmental efficiency. The chapter describes some of the technological interventions that are being pursued to improve aviation’s environmental performance and discusses the extent to which these innovations will help to deliver a more sustainable aviation industry.

Details

Sustainable Aviation Futures
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-595-1

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 July 2022

Jagroop Singh, Sudhir Rana, Abu Bakar Abdul Hamid and Piyush Gupta

In the past four decades, substantial air traffic growth has triggered enthusiasm in the aviation sector. At the same time, this growth has posed challenges to its financial and…

Abstract

Purpose

In the past four decades, substantial air traffic growth has triggered enthusiasm in the aviation sector. At the same time, this growth has posed challenges to its financial and environmental sustainability commitments. A buzz has been centered on introducing and supporting aviation sustainability initiatives. These challenges have led to acknowledging the need to reduce aviation fuel consumption, a function of multiple factors. The different stakeholders having a diverse type of interplay govern the effective implementation of the factors at different decision levels (strategic, tactical and operational). Thus, the present study aims to critically examine various decision levels involved to understand opportunities and requirements related to aviation sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the best–worst method is used to quantify different decision levels’ role on various factors affecting aviation fuel consumption.

Findings

The results of this study signify that tactical-level decisions are most influential in reducing aviation fuel consumption with the highest impact (0.41) followed by operational-level decisions (0.30) and strategic-level decisions (0.29), respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The results point toward the critical role of middle-level hierarchy, i.e. aircraft manufacturers, airlines and others in the aviation industry’s sustainable growth. Thus, middle-level stakeholders must be inspired and empowered to act, being at the center they link the other two levels.

Originality/value

This study has added to the body of knowledge by exploring the decision-making competencies needed by different aviation sector stakeholders. It also presents the possible options available in the sector and the role of stakeholders at different levels in exploiting and implementing the sustainable aviation sector changes.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 19 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1963

E.M. Goodger

Flight, even under the most routine conditions, sets high standards of quality for all materials employed. Specifications for aviation fuels have never been obtainable without…

Abstract

Flight, even under the most routine conditions, sets high standards of quality for all materials employed. Specifications for aviation fuels have never been obtainable without careful compromise between conflicting requirements, and present developments towards flight at higher altitudes and higher speeds accentuate existing problems and reveal new ones. This article attempts to review the known major problems arising with aviation fuels under these conditions of severity, and to indicate a number of practicable solutions.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 35 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 17 August 2020

Rui Liu, Wanzhong Zhao, Zhenyu Wang and Xiaqing Liu

This study aims to contrastively investigate the effects of biodiesel and diesel on the power, economy and combustion characteristics of a compression ignition aviation piston…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to contrastively investigate the effects of biodiesel and diesel on the power, economy and combustion characteristics of a compression ignition aviation piston engine for unmanned aerial vehicles.

Design/methodology/approach

Biodiesel used as alternative fuel will not be mixed with diesel during experimental study. Pure diesel fuel is used for the comparative test. Same fuel injection strategies, including pilot and main injection, are guaranteed for two fuels in same test points.

Findings

The engine-rated power of biodiesel is lower than diesel, which results in higher specific fuel combustion (SFC) and effective thermal efficiency (ETE). Biodiesel has the faster burning rate, shorter combustion duration. The crank angle of 50% mass fraction burned (CA50) is earlier than diesel. The ignition delay angle of biodiesel and diesel in the pilot injection stage is almost the same at high engine speed. As the speed and load decrease, the ignition delay angle of biodiesel in the pilot injection stage is smaller than diesel. At 100% high load conditions, the fuel-burning fraction of biodiesel in the pilot injection is the same as diesel. The peak heat release rate (HRR) of biodiesel is slightly lower than diesel. At 20% part load conditions, the fuel-burning fraction of biodiesel in the pilot injection stage is lower than diesel. Because of the combustion participation of unburned pilot injected fuel, the peak HRR of biodiesel in the main injection is equal to or even higher than diesel.

Originality/value

The application feasibility of alternative fuel and its effects on aviation engine power, economy and combustion characteristics will be evaluated according to the “drop-in“ requirements and on the low-cost premise without changing the aviation engine structure and parameters.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 93 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 November 2012

Florian Lüdeke‐Freund, David Walmsley, Mirco Plath, Jan Wreesmann and Alexandra‐Maria Klein

This article seeks to address aviation as an emerging biofuel consumer and to discuss sustainability issues and consequences for feedstock production concepts. Biojet fuels have…

1649

Abstract

Purpose

This article seeks to address aviation as an emerging biofuel consumer and to discuss sustainability issues and consequences for feedstock production concepts. Biojet fuels have been identified as a promising, readily deployable alternative to fossil‐based aviation fuels. At the same time they are highly criticised as their production may have negative social and environmental impacts. Therefore, the paper aims to identify major sustainability issues and assessment challenges and relate these to the production of biojet fuel feedstock.

Design/methodology/approach

Two plant oil production concepts are presented that address the sustainability issues discussed. Both concepts are being investigated within the research project “Platform for Sustainable Aviation Fuels”. A literature‐based overview of sustainability issues and assessment challenges is provided. Additionally, conceptual insights into new plant oil production concepts are presented.

Findings

The use of biojet fuels is often hailed as a strategy for the aviation industry to become more sustainable. However, biofuels are not necessarily sustainable and their potential to reduce GHG emissions is highly debated. Several unresolved sustainability issues are identified highlighting the need for improved assessment methods. Moreover, the two concepts presented have the potential to provide sustainably grown feedstock, but further empirical research is needed.

Originality/value

This article addresses researchers and practitioners by providing an overview of sustainability issues and assessment challenges related to biojet fuels. Consequences are identified for two plant oil feedstock concepts: catch cropping in temperate regions and silvopastoral systems in tropical and subtropical regions.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 6 September 2023

Ferhan K. Sengur and Onder Altuntas

Aviation is not only one of the key contributors to the economy and social structure of the world but it is also an industry whose environmental impacts are being closely…

Abstract

Aviation is not only one of the key contributors to the economy and social structure of the world but it is also an industry whose environmental impacts are being closely monitored. Aircraft efficiency and technological advancements have significantly reduced aviation noise and emissions in recent decades. Nevertheless, as the need for passenger and freight transportation grows, the aviation sector is becoming a primary source of environmental issues and a significant driver of global warming. This chapter focusses on environmentally sustainable aviation with a net-zero emission target. It also highlights sustainable aviation policies and collaborative initiatives in the aviation industry to meet the 2050 net-zero emission goal. While the industry's efforts have increased opportunities recently, the industry has also had to face several challenges to achieve the net-zero aviation target.

Article
Publication date: 30 September 2014

Pavel Ryabov, Sergey Kalenskiy, Yuri Khaletskiy and Artur Mirzoyan

The purpose of the conducted investigations is assessment of performance improvement of hybrid gas-turbine engine (HGTE) based on solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) using cheaper and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the conducted investigations is assessment of performance improvement of hybrid gas-turbine engine (HGTE) based on solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) using cheaper and environmental alternative fuels (AF) such as liquid methane and propane – butane mixture (propane – butane). This paper also assessed the efficiency of mid-flight propulsion system (PS) based on HGTE for advanced short – medium hall aircrafts (SMHA) of 2025 (with level of parameters corresponding to technologies of 2025-2030 time period).

Design/methodology/approach

According to purposes of this paper, following are conducted: Analysis of properties of conventional and advanced aviation fuels, updating of architectures and parameters of energy system of HGTE based on SOFC using different fuels (kerosene, methane and propane – butane). Examination of rational architectures and updating of possible design parameters of HGTE using different types of fuel. Assessment of efficiency of PS with HGTE using different fuels under aircraft criteria. Assessment of emission of harmful substances and acoustical efficiency of SMHA with HGTE using different fuels.

Findings

Improvement of technical and environmental performances of SMHA with HGTE based on SOFC using AF in comparison with turbofan is shown.

Research limitations/implications

Accuracy of research results is defined by a number of the adopted aircraft and engine restrictions, as well as accuracy of prediction concerning to the improvement of integral characteristics of elements SMHA and PS with HGTE for 2025.

Practical implications

Advantages of HGTE based on SOFC create good preconditions for initiation of works on development of new-generation aircrafts using AF after 2025.

Social implications

Development of SOFC technologies result in evolution of new high-economic and environmental friendly hybrid gas-turbine PS for aircrafts using AF, Improvement of an environmental situation around the airport, decrease of CO2 emission for full-flight cycle, creation of scientific and technological base for transition to electric PS of full electric aircraft.

Originality/value

Research results show that application of AF increases efficiency of electrochemical generator (ECG) based on SOFC and fuel efficiency of whole engine, which enable to use HGTE for PS of advanced aircrafts more effectively than turbofan. As distinct from storage battery (Bradley et al., 2010) and ECG based on Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (Horyson Energy Systems, 2010), specific characteristics of ECG based on SOFC using methane allow to design PS for SMHA of 2025.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, vol. 86 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 June 2019

Bartosz Gawron, Tomasz Białecki, Anna Janicka, Maciej Zawiślak and Aleksander Górniak

The purpose of this paper is to examine the toxicological impacts of exhaust generated during the combustion process of aviation fuel containing synthesized hydrocarbons.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the toxicological impacts of exhaust generated during the combustion process of aviation fuel containing synthesized hydrocarbons.

Design/methodology/approach

Tests on aircraft turbine engines in full scale are complex and expensive. Therefore, a miniature turbojet engine was used in this paper as a source of exhaust gases. Toxicity was tested using innovative BAT–CELL Bio–Ambient Cell method, which consists of determination of real toxic impact of the exhaust gases on the human lung A549 and mouse L929 cells. The research was of a comparative nature. The engine was powered by a conventional jet fuel and a blend of conventional jet fuel with synthesized hydrocarbons.

Findings

The results show that the BAT–CELL method allows determination of the real exhaust toxicity during the combustion process in a turbine engine. The addition of a synthetic component to conventional jet fuel affected the reduction of toxicity of exhaust gases. It was confirmed for both tested cell lines.

Originality/value

In the literature related to the area of aviation, numerous publications in the field of testing the emission of exhaust gaseous components, particulates or volatile organic compounds can be found. However, there is a lack of research related to the evaluation of the real exhaust toxicity. In addition, it appears that the data given in aviation sector, mainly related to the emission levels of gaseous exhaust components (CO, Nox and HC) and particulate matters, might be insufficient. To fully describe the engine exhaust emissions, they should be supplemented with additional tests, i.e. in terms of toxicity.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 92 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1980

Fuel being the lifeblood of aviation, what looms on the horizon for commercial air transport in terms of fuel prices and adequacy of supplies?

Abstract

Fuel being the lifeblood of aviation, what looms on the horizon for commercial air transport in terms of fuel prices and adequacy of supplies?

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 52 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1963

E.M. Goodger

In the case of stationary fuel tanks subjected to high ambient temperatures for prolonged periods, vaporization may account for a significant loss of the more volatile fractions…

Abstract

In the case of stationary fuel tanks subjected to high ambient temperatures for prolonged periods, vaporization may account for a significant loss of the more volatile fractions. Although the quantitative loss might not be serious, fuel quality may be affected to the extent of difficult starting under subsequent low temperature conditions.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 35 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

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