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Volpe Center Air Quality Facility

Projects - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Currently the methodology used for measuring and computing resultant aircraft particulate matter data is based on FAA's emission-based regulatory requirements as specified in Annex 16, Volume II, Aircraft Engine Emissions. The measurement methodology results in a smoke number which is not directly useable to determine the mass of emissions. Several approximate measures have been developed in an attempt to predict mass emissions using the smoke number, but it is generally agreed that the results are not accurate. The EPA maintains a minimal set of PM data for six, mostly older, aircraft. These data are of limited use given the lack of fleet representation. Under this effort, Volpe is reviewing and evaluating activities for the measurement and related computation of aircraft particulate matter data. The work includes recommendations on how to improve current approaches. Since work is also beginning in Europe, close coordination with the Europeans is critical to the success of this effort. The project will also be closely coordinated with the EPA, as well as SAE Committee E-31, which may be responsible for making recommendations to update Annex 16.

Sponsor: FAA, Office of Environment and Energy

The FAA's Integrated Noise Model (INM) maintains a comprehensive aircraft performance module. The INM module undergoes periodic enhancements and expansion. As the INM module is enhanced and updated, appropriate data and algorithms will be incorporated into FAA's EDMS. Volpe is currently working to include a dynamic aircraft profile generator into EDMS, similar to that which is currently in the INM, but updated based on current research activity.

Sponsor: FAA, Office of Environment and Energy

Currently, to assess the effects of relatively minor changes in aircraft-related activity at an airport, a comprehensive analysis is required using FAA's EDMS. This is also the case for small airports that only require limited capabilities within EDMS. Under this effort Volpe has developed a screening tool (i.e., a simple program) that will facilitate quick and easy assessments of changes at airports that may affect local air quality. This tool will likely be used prior to a full EDMS analysis. Because it is a screening tool, conservative assumptions have been made so that if an airport analysis "passes" the screening test, it will surely pass all requirements if EDMS was used. Continued development of the screening tool is underway.

Sponsor: FAA, Office of Environment and Energy

The source of the current GSE data within EDMS is not well documented and has not been recently updated to include the most current data. Under this effort Volpe will review existing historical information and prepare a detailed report on the GSE data within EDMS. The data and past reports that were used would be documented, industry views would be considered, and the completeness of the data would be evaluated. Where appropriate, the data would be augmented with updated information. In addition, the current trend toward electric service vehicles would be explored. This effort may also include field observations of GSE activity.

Sponsor: FAA, Office of Environment and Energy

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently made available new algorithms for computing gaseous dispersion. Incorporation of these algorithms into existing air quality models, such as the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Emissions and Dispersion Modeling System (EDMS) could improve prediction accuracy significantly. FAA's system integrator for EDMS, CSSI, has incorporated the AERMOD model within EDMS. Volpe is working with FAA and CSSI to develop a research version that will allow Volpe to perform rigorous testing of algorithmic performance prior to full public release of an updated version of EDMS. A research version will allow for the conductance of more complete sensitivity tests, assessment of other variable calculations that directly affect dispersion modeling and an understanding of the model calculation process. Development of a research version of EDMS will also facilitate the assessment of additional dispersion algorithms for possible future incorporation in the model.

Sponsor: FAA, Office of Environment and Energy

In support of the FAA's Office of Environment and Energy, the Volpe Center with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Logistics Management Institute have prepared the FAA's System for assessing Aviation's Global Emissions (SAGE). The objective for SAGE is to be an internationally accepted computer model, that is based on the best available data and methodologies, and used for evaluating operational, policy, and technology-related scenarios to estimate global aircraft emissions. With regard to scope, the model is capable of analyses on an aircraft, airport, regional, and global levels.

To date, the model has been used to develop global fuel burn and emissions inventories for 2000, 2001, and 2002. Also underway is a comprehensive validation effort to quantify the uncertainty of the model. The validation effort may lead to further model enhancements. Current work also includes policy-related support for the FAA's activities in the United Nation's Committee on Aviation and Environmental Protection (CAEP).

Sponsor: FAA, Office of Environment and Energy

A comprehensive validation of the FAA's EDMS using field measured data is necessary to scientifically determine the accuracy of the model and to ensure the model results are defensible. As part of this effort, a detailed multi-year measurement plan wasdesigned and developed. The measurement plan and associated analysis follow EPA protocols so that EDMS can ultimately be accepted as a regulatory model. This effort will include several detailed steps: (1) identification and collection of previously-collected field data which could potentially be used in validation; (2) assessment of the quality/applicability of collected data; (3) collection of additional field-measured data; (4) rigorous exercising of EDMS for comparison with collected data; (5) comparison of EDMS performance with that of other similar models, e.g., the United Kingdom's ADMS-Urban. The results of this effort will be used to identify EDMS limitations, correct major deficiencies, as well as determine the overall accuracy and sensitivity of EDMS.

Sponsor: FAA, Office of Environment and Energy