Bio-fuels in aviation to reduce emissions, improve efficiency says National Research Council of Canada

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has reported a significant fall in emissions for a flight that was powered by 100% unblended bio-fuel.

Analysis carried out on the in-flight data by team of expert revealed that aerosol emissions fell nearly 50% when the flight employed bio-fuel.

NRC flew a Falcon 20, the first civil jet using 100% unblended biofuel, on 29 October 2012 at an altitude of 30 000ft to test and compare emissions vis-à-vis a conventionally fueled flight.

Commenting on the results NRC president John McDougall stated that the flight went smoothly and data from the test allows for better understanding of the impact of bio-fuel on the environment.

"We will continue to work with our partners Applied Research Associates, Chevron Lummus Global and Agrisoma Bioscience Inc. to bring this effective energy solution to market.

"The final product will be a sustainable option for reducing aviation emissions," McDougall noted.

According to the results published by the research body, the bio-fuel powered flight match engine performance of a conventional jet while demonstrating 1.5% better efficiency.

Further tests undertaken on a static engine demonstrated that particle emissions were reduced by 25% while black carbon emissions were down 49%.

The tested bio-fuel was consistent with specifications set for petroleum-based fuels and therefore required no modification to the flight’s engine.