Reduction in nvPM Emissions of a Long-Range Business Jet Burning Sustainable Aviation Fuel on Ground-Test Measurements

SERGIO DOMINGUEZ-MEDINA, Jennifer Klettlinger, Denise Ahrens, Bruce Anderson, Palmer Booth, Nicole Didyk-Wells, Richard Moore, NASA Glenn Research Center

     Abstract Number: 474
     Working Group: Combustion

Abstract
While the benefits of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in large commercial aircraft start to be accounted for in ground tests and flight campaigns, there is limited quantifiable information available of the impact of SAF in the business aviation industry. The possible differences in engine technology, cruising altitudes and mission profiles, among others, justify the need for emissions measurements in the smaller, but growing sector of business aviation. Ground tests provide comprehensive data at controlled engine settings and complement in-flight aerosol measurements. Here we present non-volatile particulate matter (nvPM) emissions data measured 20 meters downstream from a Gulfstream G700 aircraft, powered by two Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines. We show a substantial reduction in the emission indices for nvPM mass and number while burning 100% HEFA from World Energy and a 30/70 HEFA/Jet-A Blend, when compared to 100% Jet-A. This reduction is dependent on the engine setting, but significant almost across the entire range of N1% fan speeds tested. Trends of the emission indices are also shown for different fuel components, such as hydrogen content, total aromatics and sulfur impurities. The fuel impact on nvPM emissions is well within the expected range from other (larger) engine test campaigns. The data presented here complements aerosol measurements performed in commercial aircraft, emphasizing how SAF fuels can also provide significant reductions in nvPM emissions in the business aviation industry.