RTX's Pratt & Whitney collaborates with FAA to study non-CO2 emissions under FAA ASCENT program

Rhea-AI Summary

Pratt & Whitney, in collaboration with the FAA, Missouri S&T, Aerodyne Research, and the EPA, is conducting tests to compare emissions from conventional Jet A and 100% SAF. The project aims to study non-CO2 aviation emissions and reduce environmental impact. The tests will measure emissions from a Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine combustor rig using Jet A and SAF. The project highlights the industry's goal of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 and focuses on addressing cruise non-volatile particulate matter and NOx emissions. SAF derived from vegetable oils and animal fats will be compared with Jet A kerosene. The collaboration aims to understand and reduce the environmental impact of aviation emissions, especially non-CO2 emissions, by testing SAF containing low sulfur and aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations. The tests will be conducted at Pratt & Whitney's facility using an advanced Rich-Quench-Lean combustor to analyze the environmental and emissions benefits of using SAF.

Environmental Scientist

The collaboration between Pratt & Whitney and the FAA to study non-CO2 aviation emissions is a significant step in addressing environmental concerns within the aerospace industry. The focus on emissions such as non-volatile particulate matter and NOx is crucial, as these contribute to atmospheric pollution and can have a broader impact on climate change than CO2 alone. The use of 100% SAF, derived from renewable sources like vegetable oils and animal fats, presents a potential reduction in sulfur dioxide and aromatic hydrocarbon emissions. These substances are known to contribute to acid rain and urban smog, respectively. However, the transition to SAF must be evaluated for its full lifecycle environmental impact, including the sustainability of feedstock production and the energy required for fuel processing.

Moreover, the testing of SAF in a controlled environment will provide a baseline for future studies, which is essential for regulatory bodies and the industry to make informed decisions. The data gathered will also help in understanding the formation of contrails, which have a high albedo effect and contribute to global warming. The insights from these tests could lead to more stringent environmental standards and potentially influence the demand for SAF, impacting the market share of companies producing traditional Jet A fuel.

Aerospace Industry Analyst

The partnership between Pratt & Whitney and regulatory agencies to evaluate the emissions of SAF versus conventional Jet A fuel has direct implications for the aerospace sector. As the industry moves towards the 2050 net-zero CO2 emissions target, the adoption of SAF will likely become a competitive differentiator among engine manufacturers. Pratt & Whitney's involvement in this study positions them at the forefront of sustainable propulsion technology, which could influence investor sentiment and stock valuations. The results of these tests will be instrumental in shaping future propulsion technologies and could lead to increased R&D investments in SAF-compatible engines.

Furthermore, the regulatory outcomes of this research may encourage airlines to transition to SAF, potentially affecting fuel supply contracts and altering the financial landscape of fuel suppliers. It's important to monitor how the data on non-CO2 emissions will translate into policy changes and how these changes will affect the cost structures and operational strategies of airlines and aerospace manufacturers. The shift to SAF could also stimulate new market entrants specializing in biofuel production, thereby influencing stock market dynamics within the energy sector.

Energy Market Analyst

The study's implications extend beyond the aerospace industry, potentially impacting the energy sector, particularly companies involved in the production of SAF. As the aviation industry explores alternatives to reduce its environmental footprint, the demand for SAF is expected to grow. This anticipated demand could drive investments and research in biofuels, affecting the stock performance of companies like World Energy, which supplied the HEFA-SPK for the study.

The results from Pratt & Whitney's tests will provide valuable insights into the viability of SAF as a mainstream aviation fuel. If the environmental benefits are significant, this could accelerate regulatory support for SAF incentives, influencing the profitability and strategic direction of biofuel producers. However, the scalability of SAF production and the availability of feedstock are key factors that will determine the long-term impact on the energy market. Stakeholders should consider the potential for increased competition and collaboration within the energy sector as SAF gains prominence. This could lead to new partnerships, mergers, or acquisitions, reshaping the landscape of the energy market and affecting investor strategies.

Tests will compare emissions from conventional Jet A and 100% SAF 

EAST HARTFORD, Conn., March 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will work together with Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), Aerodyne Research, Inc., and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to study non- CO₂ aviation emissions, to help understand and reduce the environmental impact of those emissions. As part of the FAA's ASCENT program, the project will measure emissions from a Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine combustor rig test stand using conventional Jet A and 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

"As the aviation industry targets a goal of net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050, we continue to pay close attention to addressing the environmental impact of other emissions, including cruise non-volatile particulate matter and NOx," said Sean Bradshaw, senior technical fellow of sustainable propulsion at Pratt & Whitney. "Combustor rig tests with 100% SAF provide a controlled environment for generating valuable baseline data, which will support future studies using full scale engines on-wing at ground and flight test conditions."

The project will compare emissions from Jet A kerosene and SAF comprised of 100% Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (HEFA-SPK), a biofuel derived from vegetable oils and animal fats; the fuel is supplied by World Energy.

"By bringing together expertise from industry, government, and academia, this project represents an important step towards understanding and reducing the environmental impacts of aviation, including those arising from non-CO₂ emissions," said Dr. Philip Whitefield of Missouri University of Science and Technology. "SAF containing low sulfur and aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations could contribute to reduced sulfur dioxide and non-volatile particulate emissions, which are associated with contrail formation and the impact to global warming."   

The rig tests will take place at Pratt & Whitney's facility in Middletown, Conn., using an advanced Rich-Quench-Lean (RQL) combustor. The rig allows testing of the full range of combustor operating conditions, including at take-off, ground, and cruise altitudes, to help understand the environmental and emissions benefits of using SAF. Pratt & Whitney, the FAA, Missouri S&T, Aerodyne Research, and the EPA will collaborate on test design, execution, and emissions data analysis.

About Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. To learn more, visit www.prattwhitney.com.

About RTX
With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of $69 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com

 

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SOURCE RTX

What is Pratt & Whitney collaborating on with the FAA, Missouri S&T, Aerodyne Research, and the EPA?

Pratt & Whitney is collaborating with the FAA, Missouri S&T, Aerodyne Research, and the EPA to conduct tests comparing emissions from conventional Jet A and 100% SAF.

What is the goal of the project mentioned in the press release?

The project aims to study non-CO2 aviation emissions and reduce the environmental impact of those emissions by comparing emissions from Jet A and 100% SAF.

What type of fuel is being compared in the emissions tests?

The emissions tests will compare emissions from Jet A kerosene and SAF comprised of 100% Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (HEFA-SPK).

Where will the emissions tests take place?

The emissions tests will take place at Pratt & Whitney's facility in Middletown, Conn., using an advanced Rich-Quench-Lean combustor.

What is the focus of the collaboration between the organizations mentioned in the press release?

The collaboration aims to understand and reduce the environmental impact of aviation emissions, especially non-CO2 emissions, by testing SAF containing low sulfur and aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations.