|Air Force Research Lab and Department of Energy Team for Cleaner Air |
Air Force Research Lab and Department of Energy Team for Cleaner Air
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio (AFPN) October 2, 2000 -- The Air Force Research Laboratory and the Department of Energy will soon be working together on fuel research to reduce pollutants in the air.
A Memorandum of Understanding will be signed Oct. 6, with DOE's National Energy and Technology Laboratory to research, develop and demonstrate clean aviation fuels to reduce pollutant emissions. Research will be conducted on the effects of sulfur on particulate (smoke and soot) formation; strategies such as additives and new fuel blends to reduce these particulates; and the impact of these strategies on the cost of making cleaner jet fuels.
The research will be done as part of the DOE's Ultra Clean Transportation Fuels initiative. The initiative is a $100 million national effort to develop fuel technologies that will enable ground vehicles, marine vessels and aircraft to significantly reduce their pollutant emissions. The collaboration between AFRL and DOE includes aviation turbine fuels.
DOE has pledged financial support for AFRL's Propulsion Directorate as part of the collaboration.
Some of the directorate's recent accomplishments include development of a "plus 100" fuel additive, which has been adopted by engine manufacturers and two law enforcement agencies in Florida. These agencies have used the additive, which reduces the build up of fuel deposits and reduces pollution, to reduce their maintenance costs. The directorate also conducts research to improve low temperature properties of JP-8 fuel.
In addition, the directorate is a leader in the Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology program, which is an ongoing national effort to double U.S. military aircraft propulsion capability.
The directorate also develops power for air platforms, space platforms and weapons.
NETL, one of DOE's 15 national laboratories, performs, manages and implements broad spectrum of energy and environmental research and development programs, including the Ultra Clean Transportation Fuels Initiative.
AFRL plans, manages and conducts research and development activities for the Air Force to advance the entire range of aerospace and interrelated technologies..
- Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
- Air Force Research Laboratory
- Department of Energy
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