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Dubai-based Emirates has successfully completed ground engine testing of one of its GE90 engines on a Boeing 777-300ER using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which it says can be reduced by up to 80% over the life of the fuel .
The purpose of the test was to check the ability of the GE90 engine to operate on a special hybrid SAF without affecting its performance, without requiring modifications to the aircraft systems, and without requiring special maintenance procedures for the Boeing 777-300ER or GE90 engines.
The ground test results will now pave the way for the airline’s first experimental test flight using 100% SAF in one engine, which will take off this week.
Testing process
The test campaign involved running one engine on 100% SAF and another engine on conventional jet fuel to better analyze the behavior and performance of the fuel system on each fuel type, compare the specific output of each engine and ensure that the aircraft The seamless operation of the engine and airframe fuel system during the planned test flight.
During ground testing at the Emirates Engineering Center in Dubai, the aircraft first underwent standard pre-flight activities. Afterwards, stationary running testing begins with a Honeywell 331-500 auxiliary power unit (APU) running at 100% SAF.
The APU then starts the engine at full load under the action of the SAF. The left engine was run at its full power range, using the same settings as for the test flight. This includes idle, “takeoff” and “climb settings” operating at maximum speed and intensity for the duration of the full flight profile. The engine is then run for 15 minutes at the “cruise” setting. After the simulation, the engine was cooled down.
Fuel is segregated in separate fuel tanks to keep test fuel segregated. After ground testing is complete, download engine data for review, comparison and analysis.
We have completed ground engine testing using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Stay tuned for our experimental test flight later this week. 👋✈️ https://t.co/FngmqsbUtr pic.twitter.com/6ZoEr27RG5
— Emirates (@emirates) January 23, 2023
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Throughout 2022, Emirates has been conducting SAF blend tests with its partners GE Aerospace, Boeing, Honeywell, Neste and Virent (a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corp). The partners developed a blend with the same quality and performance characteristics as conventional jet fuel and collaborated on technical analysis and operational requirements surrounding ground testing and experimental flight activities.
The results of this program will provide additional data and research on synthetic fuel blend components and biofuels, supporting standardization and future approval of 100% direct use of SAF.
Following successful testing with one engine, the airline will continue to develop these programs with engine airframe manufacturers and SAF suppliers to validate the commercial use of these blends. Currently, SAF is approved for use in up to 50% blends with conventional jet fuel.
The airline has supported industry and government efforts to encourage the growth of the SAF industry and regularly participates in initiatives that contribute to SAF deployment. Its first flight powered by a blended jet-fueled SAF operated a Boeing 777 from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport in 2017. It took delivery of its first SAF-powered A380 in December 2020 and loaded 32 tonnes of SAF for flights from Stockholm earlier that year, supported by the Swedavia biofuel incentive scheme. Flights from Oslo have also started using SAF.
At the 2021 Dubai Airshow, Emirates, GE Aerospace and Boeing signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a plan to use the 100 on the Emirates 777-300ER powered by GE90 engines. % SAF for a test flight.
read: Dubai’s Emirates to use 100% sustainable fuel for test flights by 2022
Emirates is also a member of the Steering Committee of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) ‘Clean Skies Tomorrow’ initiative, which promotes the global deployment of SAF. The airline also contributed to the UAE government’s work on the SAF roadmap and the WEF-supported UAE power-to-liquids roadmap.
The UAE is promoting the use of SAF
In other news, Masdar, ADNOC, bp, Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company) and Etihad Airways will conduct a joint feasibility study on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other products such as renewable diesel and naphtha), using municipal solid waste (MSW) and renewable hydrogen.
The announcement was made during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which ended on January 19.
read: Masdar, ADNOC, bp, Tadweer, Etihad to explore SAF production in UAE
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