Powered by Northvolt: Electric airport ground support

Whenever you board a plane, it's easy to notice the many moving parts on the tarmac that keep the airport running smoothly. Everything from luggage carts and aircraft tugs, to catering trucks, fuel trucks, and de-icing vehicles—all work together to ensure smooth operations.

These ground support vehicles are essential to the daily functioning of airports. Recognizing the potential for electrification in this sector, Dynell has taken a pioneering step by integrating Northvolt's Voltpack Core battery pack into their fully electric ground power unit, the DEM 045-090.

Dynell, a leader in electric ground support solutions for the aviation sector, has already incorporated approximately 100 Voltpack Cores into fifty operational systems at airports. This number is expected to double, with a fleet of 100 systems projected to be operational by the end of 2024. The DEM 045-090 serves as a mobile power supply for aircraft while parked on the ground, supporting various operations with configurations providing up to 90 kVA of output power and 80 kW of charging power. Typical customers for this system include airports, airlines, and ground handlers.

The Voltpack Core is an industrial-grade, high energy density lithium-ion battery pack designed to replace diesel engines under the harshest conditions. Its scalability ranges from 21 kWh to 624 kWh without additional hardware or software, making it highly flexible for various applications. Built for industrial use, it features an integrated Battery Management System (BMS), robust thermal management, and multilayer safety features, ensuring uncompromising safety and performance.

Dynell’s decision to use Northvolt's Voltpack Core was driven by its robust performance, high energy capability, and European production, which aligns with the company’s sustainability goals.

"We decided to use the Northvolt Voltpack Core due to its superior quality as a battery crafted by a reputable European manufacturer," said Dynell product manager Sebastian Appl.

"The Voltpack Core boasts a high storage capacity within a very compact design and has been extensively tested and certified according to current standards. Our decision was driven not only by its exceptional performance but also by the reliable support services provided by Northvolt. Moreover, we were impressed by their innovative approach to recycling, aligning perfectly with our sustainability objectives."

The partnership between Dynell and Northvolt represents a significant advancement in airport ground support electrification. By integrating the Voltpack Core into their ground power unit solutions, Dynell is setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability in the aviation ground support industry.

Innovations such as the DEM 045-090 demonstrate the potential to reduce emissions and enhance the operational capabilities of airports worldwide. The continued expansion of these systems highlights the global shift towards more sustainable airport operations, showcasing how electrification can be applied across various industries.

Are you looking to electrify your industrial machinery? Read more about the Voltpack Core here.