Solar installation on passenger bridge
To enhance sustainability and operational efficiency, OLGA is proposing the innovative installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels on unused surfaces, such as the roofing of passenger boarding bridges. This solution aims to improve the sustainability of aircraft stands by integrating solar panels and an electric Ground Power Unit (eGPU) based on Nissan car batteries into the Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB). This approach generates clean electrical energy to supply aircraft, reducing reliance on diesel-powered Ground Power Units (GPUs), significantly cutting CO2 emissions and noise. Additionally, the photovoltaic installation may serve as a solar shield, further reducing the need for thermal regulation within the PBB. This initiative highlights OLGA's commitment to sustainable aviation operations and energy efficiency.
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Objectives
This innovation project aims to harness renewable energy to produce electricity required for aircraft during stopovers, thereby enabling aircraft to remain autonomous while stationed at the stand.
The primary objectives of this project are:
Reduction of CO2 Emissions: By utilizing solar energy to power aircraft at stands, the reliance on diesel and kerosene-powered generators, which contribute significantly to local air pollution and CO2 emissions, will be minimized.
Enhancement of Operational Efficiency: Providing a reliable, renewable energy source for aircraft during turnaround operations will streamline processes and reduce dependency on traditional power units.
Improvement of Passenger Boarding Bridge (PBB) Thermal Regulation: The PV installation may also act as a solar shield, potentially reducing the thermal regulation needs of the PBB.
Traditionally, aircraft at stands have been powered using:
Inboard Air Power Unit (APU): An internal aircraft generator consuming kerosene, currently banned due to its significant nuisances.
Ground Power Unit (GPU): A mobile generator using diesel, responsible for up to 40% of CO2 emissions during airside turnaround operations.
Integrated Electrical Supply: Ground autonomous 400Hz electrical supply solution using exclusively electrical energy, generating no local emissions.
However, these traditional methods have notable drawbacks, including CO2 emissions, noise pollution, and other environmental impacts.
OLGA aims to propose significant improvements by installing solar panels on the PBB roof and side walls to generate electrical energy, charging a mobile eGPU integrated into the PBB. This eGPU (new ITW GSE GPU product, based on Nissan car batteries) using solar energy to cover 25% of the electrical needs of CODE C type aircraft parked on a contact station will replace conventional electrical 400Hz converters, supplying aircraft with necessary power while minimizing local emissions and nuisances. Additionally, the PV installation may serve as a solar shield, reducing the thermal regulation needs of the PBB.
Progress
The project involves the installation of PV panels on the roof (36m²) of the boarding bridge. This solar installation is designed to supply power to medium-haul stands with moderate rotations. The generated electricity will be used to charge an Electric Ground Power Unit (eGPU) integrated into the PBB, replacing the current electricity converters that are sources of local air pollution and other nuisances.
The installation of the panels on a passenger bridge at Paris CDG is foreseen at the end of November, for a one-year test from December 2024 to December 2025.
Key Figures
Photovoltaic Production and Battery Storage: PV panels installed on the boarding bridge will produce electricity, which will be stored in batteries. These batteries, based on Nissan car technology, will supply 400Hz power to the aircraft.
Integration with Existing Systems: When the battery level of the eGPU becomes too low, the system will automatically switch to the conventional electrical network, ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
Evaluation of Environmental Impact: The project will assess the reduction in CO2 emissions and noise pollution resulting from the use of solar energy compared to traditional power units.
Thermal Regulation Benefits: The potential of the PV installation to act as a solar shield, thereby reducing the thermal load on the PBB and improving energy efficiency in thermal regulation, will also be evaluated.
