Schiphol test 'super battery' that can help ease the burden on the power grid
Schiphol will be testing a 'super battery' in the coming months. This large battery, which has already been installed at the airport, is meant to provide a reliable power supply for charging electrical ground equipment and relieve the burden on the power grid.
The battery is meant to power the platform's electrical Ground Power Units (e-GPUs), which provide electricity to grounded planes in areas without a fixed power supply.
This service ensures that planes can turn their auxiliary engines off. According to Schiphol, this leads to fewer emissions, improved air quality on the platform, and fewer noise disturbances.
The Iron Flow Battery was developed and manufactured in the United States. Brussels also subsidizes the project. Schiphol claims to be the first airport in the world to use this technology.
According to Schiphol's director responsible, Sybren Hahn, the test evaluates usability, reliability, and efficiency. "If the results are successful, then more batteries will follow, with the goal of making all the ground equipment emissions-free and electrical."
Reporting by ANP