US 12,152,542 B2
Transmittance parameters
Peter Swann, Derby (GB); David M. Beaven, Nottingham (GB); Craig W. Bemment, Derby (GB); Alastair G. Hobday, Derby (GB); Benjamin J. Keeler, Derby (GB); Christopher P. Madden, Derby (GB); and Martin K. Yates, East Haddon (GB)
Assigned to ROLLS-ROYCE plc, London (GB)
Filed by ROLLS-ROYCE plc, London (GB)
Filed on Jun. 5, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/328,991.
Application 18/328,991 is a continuation of application No. 17/853,103, filed on Jun. 29, 2022, granted, now 11,708,796.
Claims priority of application No. 2118645 (GB), filed on Dec. 21, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0313743 A1, Oct. 5, 2023
Int. Cl. F02C 9/40 (2006.01); F02C 9/28 (2006.01)
CPC F02C 9/28 (2013.01) [F02C 9/40 (2013.01); F05D 2260/80 (2013.01); F05D 2270/303 (2013.01); F05D 2270/304 (2013.01); F05D 2270/708 (2013.01); F23N 2221/10 (2020.01)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of operating an aircraft including a gas turbine engine, the method comprising:
passing UV-visual spectrum light through an aviation fuel suitable for powering the gas turbine engine of the aircraft;
measuring a transmittance parameter indicating the transmittance of light through the aviation fuel;
determining one or more fuel characteristics of the aviation fuel based on the transmittance parameter, the one or more fuel characteristics including one or more of:
a percentage of sustainable aviation fuel in the aviation fuel; and
an indication as to whether the aviation fuel is fossil fuel;
communicating the one or more fuel characteristics to a controller of the gas turbine engine or the aircraft, and
operating the aircraft according to the one or more fuel characteristics including:
a) modifying a control parameter of the aircraft in response to the one or more fuel characteristics; and/or
b) providing a second fuel during refuelling of the aircraft, wherein one or more fuel characteristics of the second fuel are different than the one or more fuel characteristics of the aviation fuel.