We are pioneers in delivering engines that have set new standards in terms of efficiency and reliability, responding to our customers’ need to continually improve both their economics and environmental performance.
The IntelligentEngine will continue to see us continue to lead the way.
Part of that journey today is developing a new lean-burn and low-emissions combustion system, reducing fuel burn and improving emissions performance. We’ve recently taken a big step forward on that journey with the first run of a demonstrator engine specifically devoted to that technology.
The ALECSys (Advanced Low Emissions Combustion System) demonstrator is testing lean-burn system that improves the pre-mixing of fuel and air prior to ignition – delivering a more complete combustion of the fuel and, as a result, lower NOx and particulate emissions.
The lean-burn system will play an important part in delivering the IntelligentEngine, as it builds on pioneering technology and digital capabilities to deliver important benefits for customers.
ALECSys ran for the first time at the end of January on a testbed in the UK.
The technology is important as part of the wider IntelligentEngine vision to create future products. For example, it will feature in the UltraFan® engine design that Rolls-Royce will make available from 2025.
UltraFan is a geared, scalable design suitable for both widebody and narrowbody aircraft. It is designed to offer 25% fuel efficiency improvement over the first generation of Rolls-Royce Trent engines.