The three 7400 e-GPUs units from ITW GSE will be trialled over a six-month period to see if they can replace diesel generators and if they can be widely deployed at the airport.
Schiphol is conducting the trials with KLM Equipment Services and the three power units will be tested on cargo aircraft first, then later passenger aircraft.
Data will be collected and Schiphol will then decide if they can be rolled out further at the airport.
Oscar Maan, Innovation Manager – Assets at Royal Schiphol Group said that diesel generators provide power for the aircraft when they are parked but times have changed and the airport needs to improve air quality and reduce emissions.
He said: “73 of the 128 gates at Schiphol now have fixed power units for planes. Our aim is to install them at all gates.”
“Because the airport doesn't have fixed power units at all locations yet and, for example, cargo planes do not park at the gate, Schiphol collaborated with ITW GSE to develop an electric and portable generator,” Mann added.
Schiphol has seven electric ground power units at Pier D serving narrowbody aircraft but these three new units have double the power so they can handle larger aircraft.
