Views: 5 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2023-08-14 Origin: Site
Fuel generators at Schiphol are being replaced by 30 new electric Ground Power Units (e-GPUs), and the use of more electric systems that provide fresh air on board (PCAs) are being introduced, which are important steps towards emission-free ground handling at the airport.
Aircraft parked at various piers at Schiphol airport will soon get their power from emission-free equipment thanks to the arrival of these new e-GPUs, which are a kind of electric power bank for planes.
The electric PCAs that are placed at piers E, F and G ensure that planes parked at the gate receive fresh air on board.
At the moment, 40% of the equipment used by ground handlers at Schiphol airport is electric.
The arrival of more electrically powered equipment is an important step towards Schiphol’s ambition to have an emission-free ground operation by 2030.
Replacing fuel power units and keeping auxiliary engines switched off helps the airport to achieve the Labour Inspectorate’s requirements to improve air quality.
Denise Pronk, Royal Schiphol Group, said: “With the arrival of these e-GPUs and additional electric PCAs, the aircraft’s auxiliary engine can remain switched off more often.
“That’s good for a variety of reasons. Thanks to these investments, CO2 emissions will decrease and the air quality on the apron, and thus the working conditions for staff will improve.
“We are pleased that, together with KLM, dnata and Aviapartner, we have been able to create a pool where all employees on the apron can use available equipment.”
Jorben Sprong, unit manager operational support apron services, KLM Ground Services, said: “The 30 new e-GPUs are another great step towards equipping the entire apron at Schiphol with electric ground equipment in the future.
“By pooling these e-GPUs, we can make optimal use of the ground equipment and emissions are significantly reduced.
“We are working together with the sector to introduce more e-GPUs at Schiphol as quickly as possible and to find a solution for widebody planes, for which the e-GPU cannot yet be used.”
Paul Feldbrugge, manager fleet management & engineering at KLM Equipment Services, said: “The introduction of 30 new e-GPUs is aligned with KLM Equipment Services’ strategy as pool manager and GPU owner to electrify the entire GPU pool by 2030.
“This process is running parallel to the installation of charging facilities at the airport that are critical for the use of e-GPUs.”
The new e-GPUs will be used around the aircraft stands on Pier C and on those on the inside of Pier D. The first 13 e-GPUs are being installed in August and all 30 will be in service this autumn.
Combined with the fixed power points offered at various piers, aircraft at the gate will be provided with emission-free power throughout Schiphol. Schiphol runs entirely on power from Dutch wind.
An e-GPU powers aircraft on the ground, which is needed for on-board systems such as lighting and computers in the cockpit when the engines and auxiliary engines are switched off. The power bank consists of multiple batteries powerful enough for narrow body aircraft.
Schiphol, in cooperation with ITW GSE and Nissan, designed and successfully tested the mobile e-GPUs at the airport previously. Before the arrival of these new units, there were already eight in use at the airport.
