Understanding Non-CO2 Impact for deCarbonized aviation

The UNIC proposal, under the ""Accelerating climate neutral aviation, minimizing non-CO2 emissions"" call, will enhance scientific understanding and mitigate the impact of non-CO2 aviation emissions which emminate from both combustor and oil lubrication vent.

UNIC’s objectives are to improve non-CO2 emission measurements, including nitrogen oxides and volatile and non-volatile particulate matter, across all flight phases.

This will improve the understanding of the impact of alternative fuels (SAF and H2) on non-CO2 aged emissions and refine aerosol-cloud interaction models whilst providing robust data to support future aviation policy decisions.To achieve these objectives, UNIC will develop and enhance novel technologies including a cold oxidation flow reactor and an integrated on-board sensor for real-time CO2 and non-CO2 emission quantification across the entire flight envelope, including cruise.

UNIC will conduct extensive laboratory, combustor, engine and flight tests using both conventional and alternative fuels.

These extensive tests will go beyond certification testing to provide a comprehensive assessment of pollutantes that impact climate.

They will include particle size distributions down to 1 nm , gas- and particle-phase chemical composition, charged particle/ion concentration and ice nucleation potential of emissions, including those of lubrication oil.

The project will leverage advanced modelling techniques to simulate the interactions of emissions with clouds to improve assessment of their radiative forcing impact more accurately.UNIC aligns with the Horizon work programme by addressing urgent needs in aviation emission science and regulation, providing data that supports the development of effective emission reduction strategies.

The proposal's relevance is underscored by its potential to guide regulatory frameworks and contribute to the broader goal of reducing aviation's climate impact, ensuring it supports sustainable development in the sector.