Flight Environmental Impact Scoring Using NOx Trajectory Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trajectory optimization methods for reducing non-CO2 emissions in aviation are complex, often focusing on a single type of emission, lack consensus on metrics, and are impractical due to operational difficulties, failing to identify flights with significant non-CO2 environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for classifying aeronautical flights based on nitrogen oxide emissions, using discrete emission indices, trajectory discretization, and conversion to equivalent CO2, to identify flights with high non-CO2 environmental impact, considering persistent contrails and operational difficulties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex models like Boeing Fuel Flow Method 2 are used to estimate nitrogen oxide emissions, then emission index accuracy is improved, but model complexity and limited aircraft coverage worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the complex continuous emission index model into a simplified discrete model with four thrust phases (take-off, climb, approach, idle). Each phase has predetermined emission indices, converting a continuous parameter problem into a discrete one that is easier to compute and apply across different aircraft types.
Solution Approach 2:
The flight trajectory is divided into discrete thrust phases (take-off, climb, approach, idle), and the trajectory is further segmented into multiple intervals. This segmentation allows the complex emission estimation to be broken down into manageable discrete segments that can be processed independently and summed up.
2Device complexity
If trajectory optimization focuses on a single type of non-CO2 emission, then optimization simplicity is improved, but comprehensive environmental impact assessment worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple non-CO2 emission types (nitrogen oxides, contrails, aerosol-cloud interactions) into a unified environmental impact score. This merging allows comprehensive assessment while maintaining computational feasibility by using a single integrated metric rather than separate optimizations for each emission type.
Solution Approach 2:
The environmental impact score serves as a universal metric that captures multiple types of non-CO2 emissions through a single value. This multi-functional score can be used for different purposes (flight selection, trajectory optimization, performance evaluation) without needing separate assessment systems for each emission type.
3Quantity of substance
If trajectory optimization is attempted for all flights, then comprehensive emission reduction coverage is improved, but operational feasibility worsens due to traffic growth and constraints
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of optimizing all flights, the patent selectively optimizes only those flights with high environmental impact scores. This partial action approach focuses resources on the most impactful flights, achieving significant emission reductions without the operational burden of optimizing every flight in the fleet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optimization strategies to different flights based on their local characteristics (environmental impact score, aircraft type, trajectory phase). High-impact flights receive priority optimization attention, while lower-impact flights maintain standard operations, creating a differentiated approach that balances effectiveness and feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining and providing a classification, according to their environmental impact, of a plurality of flights including, for each flight, discretization of the trajectory thereof into a plurality of segments, for each segment, determination of the value of the nitrogen oxide emission index, obtaining the quantity of nitrogen oxides emitted on the segment, obtaining the total quantity of nitrogen oxides, by summing the quantities on each segment, conversion of the total quantity into equivalent carbon dioxide using a predetermined metric and determination of a score of environmental impact, and determination and provision of a classification of the plurality of flights, classified by decreasing value of the score.