Evaluation of the Climate Impact Reduction Potential of the Water-Enhanced Turbofan (WET) Concept

Aviation faces increasing pressure not only to reduce fuel burn, and; therefore, CO2 emissions, but also provide technical solutions for an overall climate impact minimization. To combine both, a concept the enhancement of aircraft engine by steam injection with inflight water recovery is being developed. The so-called Water-Enhanced Turbofan (WET) promises significant reduction NOx and contrail formation. Representative missions A320-type using proposed new were calculated. Applying first-order one-dimensional assessment prospects more than half Global Warming Potential over one hundred years, compared evolutionarily improved aero-engine. If CO2-neutrally produced sustainable aviation fuels are used, could be reduced 93% today’s aircraft. evaluation first estimate effects based on preliminary design studies should starting point discussion in scientific community, implying need research, especially formation mechanisms radiation properties potential contrails from comparatively cold exhaust gases WET engine.