APU substitution
As part of the OLGA project, Air France, SAS, and ADP have introduced the "APU Substitution" initiative at Charles de Gaulle Airport and its replication at Milan Malpensa Airport by SAS and SEA. The purpose is to reduce the environmental impact of aircraft ground operations. The primary objective is to minimize the use of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) by replacing it with external power and air conditioning (PCA and aeration systems) at airport gates.
This innovation allows aircraft to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions during turnarounds, contributing to cleaner air and quieter operations around the airport. The project is tested under real-life conditions, including busy operational periods and varying weather scenarios.
This initiative highlights the role of technology in driving sustainability in the aviation industry and demonstrates how reducing APU use can lead to significant environmental benefits, while maintaining safety and efficiency.
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Objectives
The purpose of this task is to minimize the use of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) by implementing external power and air conditioning systems, reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and noise during aircraft turnarounds.
The primary objectives of this study are:
Reducing Environmental Impact: To reduce the use of Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) during aircraft ground operations by implementing external power and air conditioning systems, thus decreasing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, lower noise pollution by using silent electric ACUs instead of running the APU, contributing to cleaner and quieter airport operations. This task demonstrates the positive environmental outcomes through measurable results, such as saving 478 tons of fuel and reducing CO2 emissions by 1.259 tons during the trial phase.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency: To improve the coordination between crew members, coordinating agents, and ACU supervisors, leading to better compliance with APU ground switch-off times and overall operational effectiveness.
Expanding Coverage: To implement the APU OFF process across all contact and remote areas for medium and wide-bodied aircraft at Charles de Gaulle Airport, ensuring the broad adoption of sustainable practices.
Progress
The "APU Substitution" project at Charles de Gaulle Airport has been successfully completed, with significant achievements in key areas. Four narrow-body gates (F86, F90, F92, F94) were selected by Air France for the APU substitution process. These gates were chosen for their proximity to each other, ample space, and lack of infrastructure constraints, ensuring smooth operations. After obtaining approval from Air France and SAS, a stand survey conducted by ADP confirmed the optimal positioning of the units. The units were installed at fixed locations and have proven effective, with adjustments only necessary for maintenance or changes in infrastructure.
Operational coordination was essential to the project's success. A dedicated local handling team from SAS was focused exclusively on the quick connection and disconnection of the ACU system, ensuring that the APU substitution process was efficient and did not cause delays. Overall, the project has been a success, demonstrating the environmental benefits of APU substitution while maintaining operational efficiency at the airport. These significant results have encouraged Air France to invest massively in APU substitution equipment and is now able to cover all long-haul and medium-haul activities at CDG airport.
Key figures
Reduction in CO2 emissions: A total reduction of 1.259 tons of CO2 emissions was achieved, with an average of 131 kg of CO2 saved per turn.
Fuel consumption: The project saved a total of 478 tons of fuel, demonstrating a significant reduction in fuel consumption due to the minimized use of the APU.
Operational savings: 3,186 hours were saved by reducing APU operating time by an average of 20 minutes per turn.
Maintenance: The system's maintenance needs were minimal, as the units were fixed in place, with adjustments only required for maintenance or infrastructure changes.
Noise reduction: The use of silent electric ACUs significantly reduced noise pollution compared to traditional APU operation during aircraft turnarounds.