Can Smarter Battery Management Make EGSE More Sustainable?

Decarbonization at the airport is a far more complex process than just replacing the use of traditional support vehicles with electric alternatives. Emissions are generated during ground operations, such as servicing the aircraft and handling the baggage. The use of EGSE (electric ground support equipment) can be used to lower fossil fuel consumption and local air pollution. Under typical European electricity conditions, electric ground equipment is estimated to emit around 48% less carbon dioxide than alternative combustion-based equipment, according to industry research. But the benefits of going electric to the environment are dependent on reliability and efficient use of energy during the life of the equipment. Smart battery management is thus an integral part of sustainable airport infrastructure.

Knowing the Underlying Environmental Costs of Battery Aging

Battery performance is critical to electric equipment. Unfortunately, batteries undergo some changes over time that reduce the capacity of the battery that was originally there. The battery degradation process impacts the operating range and charging efficiency. The rate of deterioration is dependent on an exposure to temperature and charging pattern. High temperatures and extended periods of high charge are known aging factors for lithium-ion technology. The replacement of the batteries before they are due reduces the environmental load of material extraction and battery production. Apart from the reduction of exhaust emissions, extending battery life has a positive impact on sustainability.

Intelligent battery monitoring is changing maintenance.

Typical maintenance programs are based on time-frequency intervals. The intelligent battery management systems, on the other hand, offer a more responsive approach with constant performance monitoring. The voltage and current are measured along with temperature and charging habits from the sensors. These measurements are then processed by advanced analytical software, which can estimate battery condition and detect any abnormal operating conditions. Maintenance personnel can go into the trouble to solve the problem before the equipment truly suffers from serious damage in performance. This predictive method may help with reducing outages and avoid the replacement of components. Airport operators also have enhanced insight into the life span of costly battery assets.

The importance of charging strategies for airport sustainability

Charging systems have a huge impact on battery life and airport electric demand. When multiple vehicles are plugged in at the same time, they can generate large spikes in power usage. Smart charging systems distribute electricity based on operational needs and infrastructure capacity. Those vehicles that require immediate turnaround of the aircraft can be given priority, while others that are less urgent can be charged when the vehicles are not in use. Appropriate limits on charging can also minimize unnecessary battery stress. Electricity tariffs or carbon intensity can change over the course of the day, and intelligent scheduling can help reduce operating costs and emissions. The enhancements also enable airports to expand electric fleets without requiring a large electrical infrastructure investment.

The possibilities provided by artificial intelligence and digital twins are new.

AI opens new possibilities for optimizing batteries. Historical performance records can be used to develop models that can use machine learning techniques to detect patterns that are linked to accelerated aging. Digital twins are virtual representations of battery systems and help simulate the behavior of these systems under various operating conditions. These technologies can aid prediction of remaining useful life and the alternative charging strategies. However, their accuracy still requires good operational data and adequate validation of the model. These tools can assist operators to make decisions based on evidence to maintain or replace components, rather than just on a predetermined schedule, when effectively and correctly implemented.

The goals of the circular economy are supported by extending battery life.

However, the sustainability of the battery is also influenced by the post-primary battery management. A battery that doesn't meet the tough standards used at airports can still be used for less demanding applications. If given adequate and detailed safety and performance testing, suitable units may be able to be used for stationary energy storage. Other batteries need responsible recycling to help recover the valuable materials and minimize waste. This extends the service life, postponing replacement-related manufacturing impacts and benefits asset economics. Therefore, the operators of the airport should consider the end-of-life planning and traceability of batteries when making a procurement decision. A lifecycle focus ties the day-to-day decision-making process to environmental accountability.