Airline dirt detector could cut emissions

A device being developed by academics at UWE Bristol could cut airline fuel bills by as much as 1%

Airlines could significantly reduce fuel bills and carbon footprint with a device being developed by academics at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol).

The ECOTEC system, which is being produced by researchers from UWE's Institute of Bio-Sensing Technology alongside concept designer Intercede Ventures, could cut fuel bills for airlines by as much as 1% by measuring precisely how much dirt has accumulated on an aeroplane’s surface and determine whether the build-up increases drag.

Aircraft operators can then use the data collected by the scanner to optimise aircraft cleaning routines and ensure their fleet is as aerodynamic as possible.

Graham Mimms, managing director at Intercede said the technology – which uses lasers, light beams and mirrors – also had applications in the automotive, marine, rail and wind turbine industries because all use aero-dynamic surfaces. 

Mimms said: “A clean aircraft is a more efficient aircraft, but that’s not always been too easy to prove. We thought ‘if we can prove it, airlines would keep them clean and efficient’ and as a result more environmentally friendly.

“Engineers will soon be able to walk around the aircraft with our patented and industry approved instrument to analyse which surface sections need cleaning to keep it in its most efficient state. If you clean it by applying an industry approved cleaning compound you will have an aircraft aerodynamically more efficient.”

He added: “What we are recommending is more labour intensive (dry washing) but the resulting efficiency can be greater. If carbon emissions can be reduced by reduced drag efficiencies, airlines may also be able to benefit from reduced taxes.”

Currently, one of the world’s largest charter airlines is trialling the patented system in six of its aircraft ahead of the product being launched into the market this year.

The development of the surface analyser has been supported with £100,000 in grants from UWE’s Business Technology Centre, iNets South West and Innovation 4 Growth. Investment firm Angels4Angels has also recently backed the venture with a six-figure sum.