EVENDALE, OHIO-- During the recently completed FAA emission certification testing, the GEnx engines outperformed GE's estimated emissions levels and further validated the benefits from the twin annular pre-mixing swirler (TAPS) combustor system.
"Our previous rig tests on the GEnx engine proved that our emission levels would be significantly below CAEP6 levels," said Tom Brisken, general manager of the GEnx engine. "The emission test on a full-scale engine at our Peebles, Ohio, outdoor test facility demonstrated the engine has even greater margins on several key emission levels due to the new TAPS combustor technology."
The results when compared to the 2008 international standards for the regulated emission were: oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions had a 58 percent margin, 95 percent margin for smoke and a 98 percent margin on hydrocarbon emissions. Further results included carbon monoxide emissions had a 90 percent margin, which is half the original level that GE predicted.
The GEnx is part of GE's "ecomagination" product portfolio -- GE's commitment to develop new, cost-effective technologies that enhance customers' environmental and operating performance. The GEnx's composite and combustion technologies are unique to the commercial aviation industry.
Based on the highly successful GE90 architecture, the GEnx engine is one of the quietest, most fuel-efficient jet engines ever. It will succeed GE's CF6 family, the best-selling engine on wide-body aircraft. To date, more than 870 engines have been sold to 30 customers worldwide.
The GEnx wrapped up its flight-testing on GE's 747 flying testbed earlier this month after more than 187 hours in the air from 34 flights. GEnx development engines have accumulated more than 2,000 hours of testing in ground tests since March 2006. Engine certification is scheduled for later this year.
The GEnx engine, which will power both the 787 and the 747-8, is the world's only jet engine with both a front fan case and fan blades made of composites, which provide for greater engine durability, weight reduction and lower operating costs. The fan blades will utilize GE90 composite technology that has performed extremely well, with no routine on-wing maintenance required and no in-service issues for more than a decade.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings.