Cascade: Boeing’s Data Modeling Tool For Carbon-Free Aviation

Boeing’s new tool offers an unrivaled level of insight into carbon cutting strategies.

Boeing has revealed a new data modeling tool to calculate the most effective scenarios for reaching carbon net-zero by 2050. The software tool, named Cascade, will assess the impact of different approaches to carbon neutrality in meticulous detail. We take a closer look below.

Cascade – Boeing’s new data modeling system

At the Farnborough International Airshow 2022 (FIA 2022) this week, Boeing unveiled its new software tool to help it determine the optimal routes to achieving carbon net-zero.

Cascade is a data analytics and modeling tool created in consultation with leading universities that will enable precise calculations of various carbon neutrality strategies, such as SAF usage, new technology and fleet renewals.

Boeing Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Raymond said,

“There are multiple ways to a future where aviation has zero climate impact. We created Cascade on a foundation of credible data and analytical models to allow users to explore various pathways to net-zero. We think this model will help our industry visualize, for the first time, the real climate impact of each solution, from beginning to end, and to inform the most probable and effective strategies.”

Boeing wants to use Cascade together with other airlines, industry partners and policymakers and could eventually make the tool available online publicly.

Four-pillar approach

As Simple Flying explored last month, Boeing is approaching decarbonization with a four-pillar strategy. These are:

• Airplane fleet renewal
• Renewable energy sources such as sustainable fuel, hydrogen, electric propulsion
• Operational efficiency improvements
• Advanced technologies

Cascade will enable Boeing and partners to create detailed models incorporating these four pillars. For example, airlines can assess the impact of specific changes, such as investing in new aircraft or making operational changes.

The tool’s renewable energy modeling is particularly fine-tuned. Users can specify every last detail, such as SAF type, percentage of SAF, and source.

According to Boeing,

“The Cascade model assesses the full lifecycle impacts of renewable energy by accounting for the emissions required to produce, distribute and use alternative energy carriers such as hydrogen, electricity, and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).”

In terms of SAF, Boeing has been clear that it has a significant role to play but recognizes that alternative forms of energy must be explored. The company is actively involved in various forms of hydrogen and electric energy, including a partnership with eVTOL company Wisk.

Raymond added,

“We have to take a holistic view to decarbonization. And when we do that, it is clear that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a necessary lever. We know it will take a ‘SAF and’ approach and not a ‘SAF or’ approach to achieving net-zero by 2050.”

Future Flight Concepts

At FIA 2022, Boeing also shared its vision of potential hybrid, electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft through its illustrative ‘Future Flights Concepts.’

Source: Simple Flying