New electric ground equipment at Schiphol
We already had one for smaller types of aircraft, but now larger planes can also make use of the new technology: a generator powered by electricity rather than diesel. This electrical Ground Power Unit (e-GPU) ensures that aircraft get electricity when they’re parked at the airport. This electricity is needed to keep all the systems on board running.
Greener energy for parked planes
Schiphol has been working on making power supply to planes more sustainable for a while. Aircraft can use shore power at 73 of Schiphol’s 128 gates. Employees on the apron connect the power units to planes using cables. The aim is to equip all gates at the airport with these power units.
Lower emissions, better air quality
Before we reach that goal, aircraft will need to be supplied with electricity in another way. And some aircraft, such as cargo planes, never park at a gate. These aircraft will make use of the portable Ground Power Unit (GPU). In order to lower emissions at the airport and improve air quality, Schiphol has developed an electric generator. At first it was just for smaller planes, but now larger aircraft can make use of this technology too.
Deployability and roll out
Three of these new e-GPUs are currently being tested. We are investigating whether the new electric ground equipment has the same technical quality as the current diesel generators and whether it can be deployed at the airport. The trial will take six months. Deployability and roll out at the airport will be assessed based on the experience gained and data collected. Schiphol currently has seven e-GPUs for smaller aircraft at Pier D.
Collaboration
Schiphol is carrying out this trial with e-GPUs for large aircraft together with KLM Equipment Services. The e-GPUs were developed in collaboration with ITW, a company that also provides fixed power units.
Read the previous blogs
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Special high-voltage substation
Published on:New high-voltage substation contributes to one of Schiphol’s most significant sustainability goals: zero emissions in 2030.
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More electric equipment
Published on:Most diesel generators have now been replaced by electric ones. Schiphol provides almost all planes parked at the gate with electrical power.
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Start construction circular checkpoint
Published on:For the new checkpoint we are using material left over after the demolition of three office buildings and three cargo buildings at Schiphol.
