Tourexpi
Emirates has
successfully completed the ground engine testing for one of its GE90 engines on
a Boeing 777-300ER using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The objective of
the ground testing and analysis is to demonstrate the capability of the GE90
engine to run on the specially blended 100% SAF without affecting its
performance, requiring no modifications to the aircraft systems, or special
maintenance procedures on the Boeing 777-300ER or GE90 engine to
operate. SAF reduces carbon emissions over the fuel’s life cycle by up to
80%.
The ground test
results will now pave the way for the airline’s first experimental test flight
using 100% SAF in one engine, which is due for take-off this week. The testing
activities involved running one engine on 100% SAF and the other on
conventional jet fuel to better analyse the fuel system´s behaviour and
performance under each fuel type, compare specific outputs of each engine, and
ensure seamless operation of the aircraft’s engine and airframe fuel systems
during the planned test flight.
During the ground testing
at the state-of-the-art Emirates Engineering Centre in Dubai, the aircraft
first went through its standard pre-inspection activities. After that, the
stationary operating testing began by first running the Honeywell 331-500
auxiliary power unit (APU) on 100% SAF. The APU was then put under full load
with SAF to start the engines. The left engine was exercised through its full
power range, utilising the same settings that will be used for the experimental
flight. This included idle, ‘take-off’ and ‘climb settings’ at full flight
profile durations, running at maximum speed and intensity. Engines were then
run at ‘cruise’ settings for 15 minutes. After the simulation ended, the
engines were cooled down. Fuels were isolated in separate fuel tanks to maintain
segregation of test fuels. Upon completion of the ground test, engine data was
downloaded for review, comparison, and analysis.
At the Dubai Airshow
2021, Emirates, GE Aerospace and Boeing signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) to develop a programme for conducting a
test flight using 100% SAF on an Emirates 777-300ER powered by GE90 engines.
Emirates has been
working with its partners GE Aerospace, Boeing, Honeywell, Neste and
Virent Inc., a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corp throughout 2022
on SAF fuel blend testing. The partners have developed a blend with the same
qualities and performance characteristics of conventional jet fuel and have
collaborated on the technical analysis and operational requirements surrounding
ground testing and experimental flight activities. The results of this
initiative will provide additional data and research around synthetic fuel
blend components and biofuels, supporting standardization and future
approval of 100% drop-in SAF. Following the successful trial on one engine,
Emirates will then continue to develop these initiatives with the engine airframe
manufacturers as well as SAF providers with the goal of certifying these blends
for commercial use. Currently, SAF is approved for use in blends of up to 50%
with conventional jet fuel.
Emirates has long
been a supporter of industry and government efforts to encourage the
development of the SAF industry, and regularly participates in initiatives to
contribute to SAF deployment. Its first flight powered by SAF blended with jet
fuel was in 2017, operating from Chicago O’Hare airport on a Boeing 777. Emirates
received its first A380 powered by SAF in December 2020, and uplifted 32 tonnes
of SAF for its flights from Stockholm earlier that year, with the support of
Swedavia’s Biofuel Incentive Programme. Flights from Oslo have also begun
operating on SAF.
Emirates is on the
Steering Committee of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Clean Skies for Tomorrow
initiative, which seeks to promote SAF deployment worldwide. The airline has
also contributed to the UAE government’s work on a SAF roadmap and the WEF-supported
Power-to-Liquids Roadmap for the UAE.
Image Credit: ©
Emirates Airlines
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