october2021 - 21

COVER STORY
nearly anywhere an electrical circuit is available
and deliver a power source to remote areas
for use.
" In California and Texas, 'fossil fueled'
GPUs had been targeted due to their extended
run-times and overall use in remote aircraft
staging locations, explains Andrew Alexander,
senior manager - facilities and GSE engineering
at United Airlines. " Replacing these fossil
fueled GPUs with environmentally compliant
equipment was the overall goal. Based on the
performance of the ITW 7400 series lithium-ion
powered GPUs, United Airlines has
now adopted this GPU replacement strategy
wherever possible. "
At legacy airports, infrastructure power
can often be an issue at many gates. However,
a relatively small electrical circuit allows
the 7400 to be used when there are no spare
electrical circuits available for standard electrically
powered fixed GPUs.
" Infrastructure support for charging the
ITW 7400 equipment has been a challenge, "
notes Alexander. " Through the partnership
with ITW and several airport authorities,
charging infrastructure has been installed.
" In addition to the infrastructure challenges
mentioned, ITW, in partnership with
Crescent Electrical Supply, has developed a
viable 'Powershare' option using existing
power from a jet bridge circuit. This development
reduces overall infrastructure costs
and provides United operations the ability to
charge the 7400 series unit at a gate or terminal
location. "
According to Alexander, the 7400 eGPU
offers a similar boost in environmental-related
compliance to that of electric tractors
and belt-loaders. United has also achieved
fuel savings and reduced maintenance costs.
" Besides the large-scale issues regarding
environmental footprint, reducing fossil
fuel burning GSE has an immediate benefit
regarding passenger cabin air quality, " adds
Tim Fox, facilities engineering and maintenance
projects and programs manager at
United Airlines.
" The forced supply air ventilating the cabin,
while aircraft are on the ground, originates
in the ramp environment near the aircraft, "
he continues. " By using electric GSE like the
7400, it helps keep the ramp environment
cleaner, and therefore keeps the cabin environment
cleaner. "
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Serving as ITW's launch customer in 2018,
United Airline personnel have reported positive
feedback on the 7400. Users have been
impressed with how long available power can
last from a single full charge.
According to Alexander, United is working
on multiple grant opportunities and possible
pay-per-use concepts for this type of equipment.
As with any new technology, Alexander
encourages others to not focus on negatives or
costs, but rather embrace new technology and
seek ways to expand on it.
www.enersys.com
Learn more at www.experiencenexsys.com/themission.
© 2021 EnerSys. All rights reserved. Trademarks and logos are the property
of EnerSys and its affiliates unless otherwise noted. Subject to revisions
without prior notice. E.&O.E.
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october2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of october2021
