SubscribeThe new PCA Caddy from Cavotec is able to deliver pre-conditioned air to an aircraft, without using diesel or Freon gases. It’s a revolutionary system that allows to cool even the A380. Michael Widegren, Managing Director of Cavotec Fladung states: “We did several extensive field tests, in the most extreme working conditions, and they prove beyond doubt that the PCA Caddy can cool most types of aircraft significantly faster than traditional cooling methods.”
Thanks to its innovative design the Cavotec Fladung GSS Tunnel System can easily handle any type of aircraft, no matter its dimensions or service need.
Tests have been conducted in Dubai airport and results have been excellent. The project has been finalised and thenext final test will be carried out next September in Abu Dhabi. The PC Air systems, which have been used so far,have difficulties of going to minus degrees; they can only reach a minimum air temperature equal to +5 C degrees.This means that the A380 can not be cooled, like it should be today, with maximum flow and minimum temperature. That's why Cavotec has invested in a system that works with compressed air. The PCA Caddy is a motorised reel trolley fitted with a state of the art air pre-conditioning unit using compressed air. The compressed air is expanding inone of the supplier's expander unit and when it expands it becomes around -30 Cº without ice. This -30 Cº are used toproduce some extra compressed air that can be pushed into the airplane: around 100 m3 per minute at -25 Cº. This new system produces dry air at -25 Cº able to cool the airplane in the proper way. The fact that Cavotec PCA Caddyuses no type of diesel generator and no Freon adds to its appeal and makes an environmentally friendly and extremelyefficient option.
PCA Caddy Advantages And Benefits
Today there are no restrictions for airplanes to use the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit), a generator (compressor) placed in the back of the airplane, usingfrom 100-600 l of fuel per hour to cool the air inside the aircraft. At the airports of the Middle East countries such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain, due to the hot outside temperatures, the APU is always at work while the aircraft is on the ground. Considering the airport traffic, if in one airport there are 20-25 airplanes having the APU on with an average consumption of 300 l per hour, this implies a huge waste of resources. The new PCA Caddy unit is able to deliver pre conditioned air to an aircraft with a reduced consumption of KW per hour (400 kWh), and is significantly faster thantraditional cooling methods, without using diesel or Freon gases. It brings other several advantages for both theairports and the airlines. Michael Widegren explains: “It's a win win situation. The first winner is the environment, but also the airlines and the airports will benefit. The airports installing Cavotec PC Air will have a return on investment in approximately two years, depending on the airport traffic. They could invest in the new units and by asking the airlines to pay a fee corresponding to the cost of the fuel saved, after a short period, they will start earningmoney too. They will contribute to build their green identity, but they will also operate with greater efficiencyand control so as to continually work towards excellence."Michael Widegren continues: "On the other hand the airlines by paying to the airports a fee corresponding to the cost of the fuel saved from not using the APU, will not sustain anyadditional cost by using Cavotec PC Air unit. In addition they will reduce maintenance costs as the APU needs severaland constant maintenance services and in the future it could be used to provide the air conditioning, the heating andthe electricity, only when flying, in case an engine stops working." Another important advantage of this cooling methodis the quality of the air produced. The compressed air, before cooling, is heated up to 350 degrees. The result is a clean, sterilised dry air, able to ensure the best breathing air quality. "We should call it Breathing Air instead of Pre-Conditioned Air", says Widegren.
Different Types: PCA Caddy Above Ground
This unit is driven by a 24 VDC electric motor. This power plant ensures easy handling while simultaneously reeling or unreeling the cable. The battery loader is mounted on the PCA Caddy itself and charges the battery automatically when the main power cable is connected. The motorised hose reel, fitted with the compressed air hose, is fullyautomatic in both reeling directions. The hose reel is powered by a 400VAC 3 phase frequency controlled motor, providing an even and constant tension. The output hose is stored, on top of the air pre-conditioning
unit, allowing for easy connection to aircraft without the need for ladders. A folding steering arm allows for easyactivation and steering. The steering arm retracts automatically to a vertical (braked) position when released. With the steering arm in its vertical position, the unit can be locked to protect against possible misuse or accidental activation. The PCA Caddy is fitted with a towing eye and the drive unit can be technically disengaged if longertransportation of the unit is required.
PCA Caddy Underground
To resolve the ever increasing problems of tarmacapron congestion, Cavotec Fladung has developed a revolutionary underground system which supplies the aircraft through pop-up systems located very near the parking line. After operation these pop-up units can recede back into the tarmac-apron. As, closing completely flush with the tarmac apron, leaving it free for any crossing traffic. One of the main services that can be provide through this type of underfloor system is the PCA. The spiral hose, which is required to transport the air-conditioned air in the aircraft is directly mounted on the pit system and is just 1/10th of its original length when stored. To supply PCA, the spiral hose needs to be connected to the air delivery side of the air-conditioning equipment, while the adapter at the top end
of the hose must be connected to the aircraft.
Market Expectations
Airports across the world are gearing up to accommodate the entry of the Airbus A380 into service by making investments in facilities. Considering that in the hot countries the A380 cannot be cooled by the traditional methods, at present Cavotec PCA Caddy, using compressed air, is the only alternative to the APU, the only efficient solution from a costadvantage evaluation.
Further, airports are aware that the commensurate increase in aircraft movements expected for the future, unless managed properly, it will have an ever greater impact upon the environment and the neighbours, against the policy of a sustainable airport growth. The new PCA Caddy gives an important contribution to the decrease in both CO2 and NOx; this decrease could be used to satisfy the additional traffic demand by exploiting airport potentiality in full respect of the environmental standards.
Cavotec Fladung
Established in 1968, the Fladung company has grown into a specialist in the field of innovative ground support systems. Starting with the supply of 400 Hz technology to airports, the company soon expanded their range of systems for the airport industry. In 2003 the company became a member of the Cavotec Group, and started operating as Cavotec Fladung GmbH. Today it is seen as one of the leading ground support equipment manufacturers with an extensive range of underground and above ground supply systems, coupled with innovations like the Power and PCA Caddy.
