11. Performance, Combustion, and Emissions from Green Aviation Fuel

The chapter explores the urgent need for decarbonization in the aviation industry, which accounts for a significant portion of global carbon dioxide emissions. It highlights the challenges and opportunities in developing sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) as a medium-term solution to mitigate climate change. The text delves into the production processes of SAF, including hydroprocessing, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, and alcohol-to-jet technologies, each with varying levels of maturity and feedstock requirements. It compares the life cycle assessments of different SAF production methods, emphasizing their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The chapter also examines the combustion properties and emissions of SAF, discussing how blending SAF with conventional aviation fuels can improve environmental performance without compromising engine efficiency. Real-world flight tests conducted by major airlines are presented, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of using SAF in commercial aviation. The detailed analysis of SAF production, combustion, and emissions provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of sustainable aviation fuels, making it an essential read for those interested in the intersection of aviation and environmental sustainability.