Goldhofer and its partners – including Rheinmetall, Guinault, ABB Inc., EFM and Flite Line, highlighted its commitment to electric ground support equipment (eGSE) and other technology during the International GSE Expo in Las Vegas.
Goldhofer introduced the Phoenix E, its electric towbarless pushback unit, which has been named a finalist for the 2022 German Sustainability Award.
The pushback vehicle offers the same operability and axle as the diesel version of the unit but uses an electric drivetrain to handle common passenger and cargo aircraft from the ERJ170 to B777.
The Phoenix E’s thermal management system ensures batteries remain in the proper temperature range by utilizing passive cooling techniques and shifting to active cooling processes when needed.
The tractor’s batteries have a 33 KWh capacity per unit, and the modular system allows the use of multiple batteries, depending on individual requirements. The electric drivetrain utilizes an AC charger, a DC conductor box and a high-voltage distribution unit to supply the vehicle with the energy required to perform on the ramp.
Rheinmetall presented the world’s first electric air start unit, the eMSU, on the booth as well.
The Rheinmetall eMSU starts aircrafts with zero fuel and zero carbon emissions. The electric motor powers a compressor capable of generating an airflow of 250 pounds per minute (ppm) to start the aircraft engine. Utilizing a 100 KWh battery, the unit is capable of six starts at full power. The Rheinmetall eMSU fully charges in 1 to 2 hours when plugged into a DC charger with a high voltage connection (800VDC) or up to 3 to 4 hours when plugged into a 25kW AC charging station.
Compared to traditional ASU, company officials noted a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) as an additional benefit of the eMSU, which goes beyond reduced carbon emissions.
With the prototype developed, testing is scheduled to take place in the first half of 2022 while production and delivery are expected to take place in the second half of the year.
Guinault’s EGA180 battery-powered ground power unit, on display during the GSE Expo, offers extended run-times and a high charging capacity thanks to its 165 KWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. Because LFP batteries are commonly used in industrial applications, company officials note that components are more scalable.
On a single charge, the eGPU is cable of 10 hours of use. With up to 180 kVA output, it provides mobile exhaust-free power for aircraft up to the B777.
The design of the eGPU, which includes a battery management system and cooling capabilities, was developed based on five years of data gathered from Guinault diesel GPUs around the world.
ABB E-mobility’s charging solution on display at the Goldhofer booth is a Terra DC Wallbox charger that takes an AC current and converts it to DC power. Utilizing a CCS connector – like what is already in the field for many cars, trucks and other equipment, a 24 KW output is provided. Every ABB E-mobility charger is network connected 24-hours a day for obtaining charging data while enabling real-time remote services and business integrations.
EFM showcased its ATVehicle Pushback and Towing Simulator developed by UFA, Inc., a worldwide provider of air traffic control and airport training solutions, which can include a detailed replica of a specific airport– incorporating both apron details and buildings on site.
The training solution, which eliminates the risk of harm to employees and damage to equipment, is currently being utilized at the Pushback Training Center at Munich Airport.
Company officials noted benefits of the ATVehicle simulator include realistic training via high-end technology, faster learning due to the opportunity for higher pushback frequency, the ability to simulate special procedures with and without a tow-bar and improved operator confidence prior to his or her first live pushback.
What’s more, better selection of new applicants can be made by reviewing driving skills in the simulator and training efficiencies improve at the benefit of cost, time and resources.
