Cost Analysis and Economic Assessment of Proposed Electric-Discharge Non-Thermal Plasma Processes for NOX Removal in Jet-Engine Exhaust: White Paper for SERDP Project CP-1038

Abstract : Incentives for implementing new pollution-control technologies are both regulatory and economic. Given considerable regulatory pressure, new de-NOx technologies are being explored. One major reason for this is that conventional de-NOx methods will not work effectively for the low NO concentrations (e.g., < 50 ppm), high exhaust gas flow rates, and low gas temperatures characteristic of Jet Engines Test Cells (JETCs). This project is currently evaluating non-thermal plasma (NTP) technologies for treating jet-engine exhaust. In the past, economic analysis for NTP de-NOx has shown that it is not cost effective, compared to other techniques. One might accept a high-cost system, if it can provide a function or functions that other (conventional) technologies cannot. However, it would certainly be better if a new technology could function as well or better than a conventional technology and do so at competitive costs. In this White Paper, we have analyzed the costs of some NTP technologies for jet-engine emissions control. In some cases, these analyses have shown lower exhaust-gas treatment costs for NTP systems compared to a baseline standard de-NOx technology like SCR combined with wet scrubbing. Therefore, the main conclusion of this White Paper is that completing this project's work through the small field-pilot demonstration phase should proceed to provide further data and operating experience to more fully evaluate economic and performance projections for NTP de-NOx technology.