Alternative Fuel in Aviation Paper

Abstract

This project will study the use of alternative fuels in the aviation industry and their effect on the economy and the environment. There are numerous research studies to show how the creation of alternative fuels has aided in the reduction of emissions from aircraft engines. In this project the student will utilize research studies and articles to gather evidence to show the overall effects of alternative fuels. The student will present data in different ways to show the effects of alternative fuels on aircraft engine emissions and the results they have on the environment. The student will also use research data to show how different plant oil additives have various effects on the amount of emissions produced. Along with the data utilized to show the effects of alternative fuels on the environment, the student will also present data on the affects alternative fuels have on the economy due to the price of manufacturing and storage. The student will also present case studies to show how the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have made regulations on the use of alternative fuels.

Statement of the Project

This Capstone project is a culmination of the student’s skills procured through their lessons at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University while enrolled in their Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics. The student will reveal different results of aircraft emissions when alternative fuels are used with various concentrations of plant oils. During this project the student will show a proficient understanding of the core skills, Critical Thinking, Quantitative Reasoning, Information Literacy, Communication, Scientific Literacy, Cultural Literacy, Lifelong Personal Growth, Aviation/Aerospace/Aeronautical Science, Aviation Legislation and Law, Aviation Safety, and Aviation Management and Operations and how they pertain to the topic of alternative fuel use in aviation.

Introduction

Alternative fuel use has made a drastic climb into the aviation field. As society advances there is more focus on the environment and the effects that the transportation industry has on it. Aviation is one of the largest modes of transportation today and is a major focus of environmental protection acts due to the amount of emission produced by aircraft engines. The FAA and EPA have strict guidelines on emission quality to keep the air clean. To abide by these guidelines the aviation industry has turned towards alternative fuels to burn cleaner in aircraft engines and produce less toxic emissions. With alternative fuels being a new concept there has been a lot of research done to determine the lasting effects of the emissions produced and also the economic impact of the manufacturing, storing and purchasing processes.

While the thought of alternative fuel in aviation is a simple one, more goes into it than just the creation and use of it. Since different blends of fuel have different outcomes the EPA has issued guidelines for companies to follow when creating the biofuel. These guidelines allow for the product to not only be produced safely but also ensure the safety of the environment and the consumer. As time goes on different processes are being created to blend different plant oils into fuel they can have a cleaner burning product. The effects of biofuels are noticed across the world. Many countries see a financial benefit from the harvesting of plants and the production of the biofuel while the environment and people of this world benefit from the cleaner emission which allows for a cleaner atmosphere and air to breath.

Program Outcomes to be Addressed

Critical Thinking

“The student will show evidence of knowledge at a synthesis level to define and solve problems within professional and personal environments” (ERAU, 2017, pp. 13).

Critical thinking involves making extra effort in applying the knowledge obtained from research. McPeck (2016), compares embracing critical thinking in schools to as embracing a clean environment, freedom, or justice. The student will show critical thinking by analyzing data from research studies taken about the effects of alternative fuel use in aviation such as research conducted on emissions of an auxiliary power unit during the alternative aviation fuel experiment by Kinsey et al., (2012). During this Capstone research project critical thinking will be shown by the student reviewing data for sustainable alternative fuels in aviation shown in a study by Yilmaz & Atmanli (2017). In order to accomplish the critical thinking task, the student will review information on how renewable aviation fuels, which are also known as biofuels, are a new strategy to aid in the decrease of emissions in the aviation sector as presented in research by Gutiérrez-Antonio, Gómez-Castro, De Lira-Flores, & Hernández (2017).

By analyzing a study by Kandaramath Hari, Yaakob, & Binitha (2015), the student will show how the sustainability introduced by that of alternative fuels is better than the preexisting fossil fuels and that they have a better economic and environmental impact. The student will take data from the previous sources and combine them in an excel spread sheet to show how different fuel type, when run through an aircraft engine, produces different amounts of emissions. This spread sheet will be able to compare and contrast the different fuel types and show which ones burn cleaner.

Quantitative Reasoning

“The student will show evidence of the use of digitally-enabled technology & analysis techniques to interpret data for the purpose of drawing valid conclusions and solving associated problems” (ERAU, 2017, pp. 14).

Quantitative reasoning is an individual’s ability to solve real-world problems if they are well acquainted with solving the basic arithmetic problems and use of software tools that shows data visualization in graphs, charts, etc. The aviation sector, all though small it may be, is rapidly growing and greenhouse gas emissions are always a concern. In a study done by Wise, Muratori, & Kyle (2017), the student will be able to show an analysis of the mitigation efforts used to reduce greenhouse gases by using an increase in biofuels. Quantitative reasoning skills will be demonstrated by the student by showing the evolution of future fuel demand in Europe using data provided by Kousoulidou & Lonza (2016). This reasoning will be backed by Eurostat statistics what will show the fuel consumption and emissions of various aircraft and when paired together with other flight information and annual traffic growth will show the increase demand of fuel and the evolution of emissions in Europe. The student will use data gathered from the prior two sources to create a graph showing the estimated rise and fall of biofuel emissions through 2030.

Furthermore, the student will demonstrate quantitative reasoning by analyzing plant growth data and statistical averages of biomass production from a case study done by Murphy et al., (2015), on assessment of the production of biomass supply of native Australian vegetation. This case study will allow the student to show data as to the amount of vegetation required to harvest to produce the biofuel for a 25 years timespan. A summary of data that will be analyzed by the student will be retrieved from Boeing’s 2011 report to the Federal Aviation Administration on alternative fuels. The student will show quantitative reasoning by using data and tables from this report and how different types of materials such as nitride rubber o-rings and polythioether sealants are affected by alternative fuel in terms of swelling and degradation. The student will use this information to comprise a data table showing the effect percentages that alternative fuels have on different substances.

Information Literacy

“The student will show evidence of meaningful research, including gathering information from primary and secondary sources and incorporating and documenting source material in their writing” (ERAU, 2017, pp. 15).

Information Literacy means the student shall articulate themselves in a manner that will be formally using correct, valid and reliable information from different sources to the project. In the project the student will use information gathered about the use of alternative fuel in aviation from a study done by Riebl, Braun-Unkhoff, & Riedel (2016). The information gathered from the case study of Winchester, Malina, Staples, & Barrett (2015), on the impact of advanced biofuel on aviation emissions of the United States will allow the student to show the analysis of the FAA’s renewable jet fuel goals when using biofuels. While explaining the research of the FAA’s renewable energy goals the student will also be able to utilize data presented by Winchester, McConnachie, Wollersheim, & Waitz (2013), to show the economic and emission impact of the FAA’s renewable jet fuel goal. There are many facets to gather reputable information from. Focusing on articles that are peer reviewed is one way, for example the article from the ERAU Hunt Library by Lüdeke‐Freund, Walmsley, Plath, Wreesmann, & Klein (2012), the analyzes the sustainability of plant seed oils in aviation fuel. The article by Beyersdorf et al., (2013), is another reputable source the student will use to analyze the reduction in emissions when Fischer-Tropsch fuel is used.

Communication

“The student will show evidence of communicating concepts in written, digital, and oral forms to present technical and non-technical information” (ERAU, 2017, pp. 16).

Communication simply is the expression of ones thought either in a written or an oral manner. It’s a way of mutual understanding where participants create and also to a further extent share a meaning (Lindlof & Taylor, 2017). In this project the student will use multiple writing techniques which include tables and figures to show the changes in greenhouse gas emissions when it comes to different fuel additives as shown in research by Azami & Savill (2016). The student will also utilize graphs to show the affects alternative jet fuels have on aircraft induced aerosols as presented by Rojo, Vancassel, Mirabel, Ponche, & Garnier (2015). Since one of the main aspects for the use of alternative fuel is the reduction in aerosols the student will also use tables from a study published by Blakey, Rye, & Wilson (2011), to show how different fuel types reduce the amount of soot produced as a turbine engine is running.

Scientific Literacy

“The student will show evidence of analyzing scientific evidence as it relates to the physical world and its interrelationship with human values and interests” (ERAU, 2017, pp. 18).

Scientific Literacy means a student must effectively apply physical laws relating to their project to analyze their traits in all dimensions to show their skills. In order to support their project, a student has to apply critical thinking over the evidence obtained in a scientific manner. In this project the student will use information obtained from pathway charts that show the different pathways to make biofuel from the work by Chiaramonti, Prussi, Buffi, & Tacconi (2014), which reviews the effects of drop-in additives on fossil kerosene. By analyzing the future scenararios given by Kousoulidou & Lonza (2016), the student will be able to use information from the graphs to explore the possible future growth of aviation fuel demand in Europe. The student will analyze scientific data gathered from graphs pertaining to the global warming potential of various fueled aircraft and tables showing their energy and compare fuel consumption to global warming factors with the data written by Bicer & Dincer (2017), that will show the comparison between hydrogen and other fuels types. The student will also analyze data on emissions test, one done by Beyersdorf et al., (2013), which reduced the amount of emissions when using Fischer-Tropsch fuel and form graphs on particulate matter reduction with the use of Fischer-Tropsch fuel.

Cultural Literacy

“The student will show evidence of the analysis of historical events, cultural artifacts and philosophical concepts” (ERAU, 2017, pp. 19).

Cultural literacy deals with the knowledge and understanding of diverse opinions, contributions, and views of various ethnic groups. In the aviation industry there has always been a cause for alarm when it came to environmental hazards. In this Capstone project the student will use research by Kousoulidou & Lonza (2016), that will show how the current biofuels and their road of evolution will affect the fuel demand in Europe over the next decade. The student will also utilize a study from Lee et al., (2010), that will show the impacts of air transportation on the climate throughout history as fuels and aircraft have evolved. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was formed consolidate agencies to protect the environment and a cleaner environment for the future. The student will Utilize information from the "Clean Air Act Text | US EPA," (2018), to illustrate how laws have changed throughout the years to ensure a cleaner safer environment.

Lifelong Personal Growth

“The student will show evidence of the skills needed to enrich the quality of life through activities which enhance and promote lifetime learning” (ERAU, 2017, pp. 20).

Lifelong personal growth is a perspective on how the experiences individuals encountered would be articulated into their growth. Alternative fuels open a variety of pathways for lifelong personal growth. In this project the student will explore the impacts of renewable fuel on the economy of the US in reference to the work by Winchester, McConnachie, Wollersheim, & Waitz (2013). By utilizing research provided by Lüdeke‐Freund, Walmsley, Plath, Wreesmann, & Klein (2012), the student will gain insight into the different plant oils and the results of converting them into biofuels. A lot of information can be taken from the EPA, by utilizing the "Clean Air Act Text | US EPA," 2018, the student will be able to grow an understanding about the laws, regulations and reasons for environmental protection. In this capstone project the student will analyze policies regarding aviation emission mitigation and how it is affected by aircraft lifecycles by using research provided by Dray (2013).

Aviation/Aerospace/Aeronautical Science

“The student will show evidence of advanced concepts of aviation, aerospace, and aeronautics to solve problems commonly found in their respective industries” (ERAU, 2017, pp. 22).

This supports the project using concepts that pertain to aeronautical sciences in the application of critical thinking to the scientific evidence and analysis for case studies. One source of information the student will utilize is the study done by Chan, Chishty, Canteenwalla, Buote, & Davison (2015). The student will input tables representing NO and CO2 emissions which show the different emissions characteristics of different fuel types. Different fuel types have different characteristics when introduced to aero-engines. Using data from the study done by Uryga-Bugajska, Pourkashanian, Borman, Catalanotti, & Wilson (2011), the student will analyze and show how these different fuel types react while in an aero-engine combustion chamber. Using the scientific concepts and data tables derived from work done by Fritzer, Strzelecki, Giuliani, & Bodoc (2011), the student will show how infrared analysis can be a major factor in properly analyzing fuel emissions. With biofuels being a subject studied intensely the student will utilize data charts on jet fuel consumption and costs from Kandaramath Hari, Yaakob, & Binitha (2015), to show possibilities and challenges incurred with biofuel use and production.

Aviation Legislation and Law

“The student will show evidence of the basic concepts in national and international legislation and law as they pertain to the aviation, aerospace and aeronautics industries” (ERAU, 2017, pp. 23).

This is an application of laws and regulations whether in the past, the present, or the future that support a project from the local setting through the international laws. While biofuels have been around for quite some time, in the aviation sector they are a fairly new concept. The student will use data provided by US Government Publishing Office, (2012), to show the concept of proper fuel labeling for motorized vehicles. This law was developed to ensure the proper marking of fuel dispensers and containers so that the correct fuel is utilized in appropriate devices. The student will also use more data provided by US Government Publishing Office, (2012), to show the proper regulation of alternative fuel is in aviation as annotated by 14 C.F.R. § 91.9 and 14 C.F.R. parts 33. 14 C.F.R. parts 33 outlines the requirements for aircraft engines and the student will utilize this data along with data about the effects of alternative fuels on certain materials to show how alternative fuels will be able to allow aircraft engines to meet the requirements outlined. The Clean Air Act § 20 that the “Clean Air Act Text | US EPA," (2018), uses to define the EPA’s responsibilities in the upkeep of the nation’s air quality standards, will be utilized by the student to show how the use of alternative fuels and their reduction in emissions will follow the standard set forth by the EPA.

Aviation Safety

“The student will show evidence of basic concepts in aviation safety as they pertain to the aviation, aerospace, aeronautics industry” (ERAU, 2017, pp. 24).

Aviation safety revolves around the ability to apply critical thinking to the reduction of risks in aviation processes. Safety is an important aspect of aviation. In this project the student will utilize research provided by Gedik & Yurdakul (2014), that will show the use of different oil blended fuels to improve environmental safety. With data gathered from Bicer & Dincer (2017), the student will be able to show the hazardous effects of different fuel emissions on people this is an important study because it goes beyond the scope of normal environmental safety and into the effects on people. The student will take the data provided by Gedik & Yurdakul (2014) and Bicer & Dincer (2017) and provide a table that displays the different blends of fuel and how they affect both the environment and people. The student will analyze research by Moore et al., (2017), that encompasses the effects of aircraft fuel emissions on climate and how biofuel can reduce these effects. Aviation emissions can be a factor in climate changes, by researching a study by Lee et al., (2010), the student will show how air transportation effects the atmosphere and climate. The student will take the information of these to studies and provide a comparison of both the fuel emission quantity and quality and the effects on the climate.

Aviation Management and Operations

“The student will show evidence of sound, ethical management principles within standard aviation, aerospace, and aeronautics operations” (ERAU, 2017, pp. 25).

Aviation management and operations is a focus of the business aspect of the aviation field being one main components to the aviation industry. During this project the student will show how aviation operations are impacted by biofuels in large and small sectors with research provided by Winchester, Malina, Staples, & Barrett (2015). This research shows the comparison of alternative fuels to conventional jet fuels in both purchase cost and CO2 emissions and abatement costs. The student will utilize this data to show the overall economic impact of alternative fuels. Alternative fuel management is an important factor in the study and use of alternative fuels. The student shall use documentation provided by Brown (2014), to show how the FAA is managing alternative fuel use and what guidelines are being put in place. During this Capstone project the student will use information from ICAO (2017), explaining the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) vision on managing and implementing the use of alternative fuel in the aviation industry. This vision has goals for emission reduction that ICAO set and hoped to achieve each year and they see that the use of alternative fuels, as the aviation industry becomes more widespread, will be a key factor in emission reduction.

References

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