Positive findings from Lufthansa’s long-term biofuel tests
German Aerospace Center (DLR) scientists confirm suitability of biosynthetic kerosene in routine airline operations
Toronto, ON, March 12, 2012 – After testing biosynthetic fuel on 1,187 scheduled flights, Joachim Buse, Lufthansa’s Vice President Aviation Biofuel, recently presented in Berlin the initial findings of detailed technical analysis of the long-term trial. “As expected, bio-kerosene can be utilized in flight operations without any problems. All technical investigations were positive and we were able to prove that bio-kerosene does not generate more pollutant emissions than conventional jet fuel,” said Buse. Manfred Aigner, Director of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) Institute for Combustion Technology, observed: “Our measurements have demonstrated that bio-kerosene emissions are at least equivalent to those from conventional fuel.” During the burnFAIR research project, a Lufthansa Airbus A321 flew eight times daily between Hamburg and Frankfurt from July 15 to December 27, 2011. One engine was powered by a 50-50 blend of biofuel and conventional fuel.
An overview of the key findings:
- DLR exhaust gas measurements
During the long-term trial, researchers at the DLR Institute for Combustion Technology scrutinized the pollutants in the exhaust gas from the aircraft engines. They mounted a probe behind both engines of the Lufthansa Airbus A321 (D-AIDG) and conducted the exhaust gases through a tube to the analysis instruments. “Similar levels of nitric oxide and carbon monoxide were measured in both engines,” noted DLR Institute Director Manfred Aigner.
- Analysis of aircraft components
On conclusion of the test flights, the Airbus powerplants were subjected to boroscopic tests. The findings from detailed analysis of sediment and changes to the seals of both tanks were entirely positive. No sign of any abnormal behavior resulting from the use of biofuel was found.
- Fuel-carrying parts and wing tanks
In order to return the aircraft to normal scheduled service quickly, the major fuel-bearing parts between tank and engine were dismantled. These parts and the sensors were checked for sediment and functionality in the subsequent weeks. Their behavior, with respect to function and tightness, was perfectly normal. As expected, the parts were in very good shape. Furthermore, no deposits were found in the inspection of both fuel tanks.
- Engine Condition Monitoring
During the test-phase, the routine messages from the aircraft on the major engine parameters were increased and the data subjected to additional evaluation. The findings: The fuel flow rate of the engine powered by the bio-kerosene mix was about one percent lower than that of the engine powered by conventional fuel. Thus, less fuel was consumed, the reason being that the energy density of the bio-kerosene mix was on average about one percent higher than that of conventional fuel.
Throughout the long-term burnFAIR biofuel testing project, Lufthansa enjoyed the support of strong partners. The Federal Ministry for Economics and Technology (BMWI) invested approximately 2.5 million euros in the project as part of its aviation research program (LuFo). Aside from other activities, scientists at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) conducted emission measurements directly at the engines and evaluated all the findings in cooperation with Lufthansa experts.
Further details on the project can be found at www.puresky.de/en/.
About Lufthansa
One of the world’s largest and most prestigious airlines, Lufthansa currently flies to 211 destinations in
84 countries, with hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, and with the Lufthansa Group acquisition of Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and SWISS – Vienna, Brussels and Zurich. From its 21 North American gateways, Lufthansa— recently voted by Fortune as one of the five most admired airlines in the world— and its partners serve over 450 destinations in more than 120 countries. An industry innovator, Lufthansa has long been committed to environmental care and sustainability, operating the most technologically-advanced and fuel-efficient fleet in the world. Its long-haul fleet to and from North America includes the Boeing 747-400, as well as the Airbus A300 sub fleet. Currently, Lufthansa has over 160 new aircraft worth about $22 billion on order. Lufthansa is the largest European operator of the A380 and is also the launch customer for the new Boeing 747-8, the industries’ two most fuel-efficient passenger aircraft. Known for its premium services, Lufthansa continues its $105 million program earmarked for building new or upgrading existing lounge facilities across its worldwide network and will spend more than $3.6 billion in new onboard products and services by 2015. In 2010, Lufthansa re-launched its broadband wireless Internet service onboard, FlyNet. For more information or reservations, visit www.lufthansa.com.
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