Turbulence Cancelling: Austrian Company Develops Technology to Reduce Turbulence and CO2 Emissions in Airplanes
Turbulence Solutions, an Austrian company, has developed a technology called Turbulence Cancelling that can almost completely eliminate turbulence during flights. The system also reduces fuel consumption and, therefore, the CO2 emissions of airplanes. Turbulence and air pockets are generally harmless to passengers and airplanes. However, for people who suffer from flight anxiety, the shaking and sudden drops can cause discomfort and panic. To address this issue, scientists at TU Wien, led by András Gálffy, developed Turbulence Cancelling in 2019. The technology stabilizes airplanes in turbulent air. Turbulence Solutions has since brought the system to market.
Turbulence Cancelling is based on a combination of sensors and control technology. The system can detect turbulence early, before it reaches the wings, and automatically adjusts the flaps of the airplane’s wings to increase or decrease lift. Turbulence Solutions has demonstrated through simulations that the technology can reduce the effects of turbulence by 80%. The system is also capable of compensating for strong air pockets. The focus of the development, however, was to ensure that the solution is fail-safe during normal turbulence.
In addition to providing a more comfortable flight for passengers, Turbulence Cancelling offers advantages to airlines. Currently, pilots try to avoid critical airspaces to avoid turbulence and increase comfort. However, this results in longer flight times and increased fuel consumption. Turbulence Solutions claims that their system eliminates the need to avoid these airspaces, allowing airlines to save fuel. The technology also enables the use of smaller airplanes, which are currently avoided by many airlines due to the discomfort caused by turbulence. Turbulence Cancelling can provide the same level of comfort in smaller airplanes. The company estimates that the technology can reduce the CO2 emissions of commercial aviation by 10%.
The project, which was funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), has already been successfully tested. Turbulence Solutions plans to equip small airplanes, such as two- and four-seaters or business jets, with the technology initially. A follow-up research project will then develop the system for commercial airplanes. The company aims to have the first passenger experience the technology next summer, with the first airplanes equipped with Turbulence Cancelling within one to two years.
