Energy transition in the aeronautical industry: development of a methodological framework for the characterization and selection of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)

• Grant number: 23/18063-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: June 01, 2024
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Aerospace Engineering - Aerospace Propulsion
• Principal Investigator: Pedro Teixeira Lacava
• Grantee: Natalia Ribeiro Galina
• Host Institution: Divisão de Engenharia Aeronáutica (IEA). Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA). Ministério da Defesa (Brasil). São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The aviation sector needs to mitigate carbon emissions, and the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) emerges as a promising solution. Given the increasing pressure on the aviation industry to adapt and innovate, this study will focus on evaluating the technical and environmental characteristics of SAF samples and their blends with aviation kerosene (QAV), aiming to identify potential benefits as well as challenges associated with their production and implementation. Significant gaps still exist in the experimental knowledge of combustion and emissions of SAF and their blends. Using a robust methodological approach, this research will address these gaps, providing crucial insights for the aviation industry. Advanced characterization techniques will be applied, including the quality of fuel spray jets, smoke point, and specific methods to assess combustion characteristics and emission patterns. Furthermore, aligned with the Brazilian government's "Fuel of the Future" bill context, the results from this work will have the potential to guide decision-makers in the aviation sector. With the rigorous technical approach and relevance of the topic, this project intends to offer significant contributions to guide the selection of new SAF candidates for testing in aeronautical turbines. (AU)