Project Summary
Electric ground support equipment (eGSEs) are more viable than ever creating a demand for eGSE chargers. Introducing eGSE chargers on the airside is having a big impact on groundside operations complicating uptake/deployments. Automating eGSE chargers can make these ground operations more reliable, safe and operationally efficient, making easy to use eGSEs. MOLE technology can automate eGSE charging. We will investigate the benefits of an integrated/automated charging platform (i) for service vehicles on the airside and landside; (ii) be futureproof for progressive autonomy in all types of eGSEs, (e.g.remote electric APU); (iii) be futureproof for automated charging of ZEF (electric/H2 refuelling).
Project Achievements
Our focus revolved around capturing and creating a requirements framework for eGSEs, which guided redesigns of our core technology to be applicable for this new use case. A new engagement system was re-engineered to be modular and interchangeable, allowing it to support multiple plug types like CCS2, GSE adapters and hydrogen nozzles. This flexibility was achieved by creating a unified, self-aligning feature that can compensate for positioning errors, improving docking accuracy and reliability. An improved software detection and motion algorithm was developed and extensively tested, resulting in overall better performance and reliability. On the commercial front we were able to gather real-world feedback from key industry players indicating technical feasibility of the solution as well as a commercial case, and we have identified a couple of early opportunities to develop.
Conclusions
Our project successfully validated the technical feasibility of using MOLE’s automated charging for eGSEs while forging key industry connections. We developed a robust framework for categorizing eGSEs and optimized our docking system, ensuring compatibility with EV, GSE, and hydrogen connectors. Commercially, we gained critical insights into the ground handling market and its challenges, laying the groundwork for future business opportunities. The broader impacts of this project include accelerating the transition to electric GSE, reducing airport emissions, and promoting sustainability in the aviation industry. Our advancements can also contribute to electrifying other transport sectors, enhancing overall environmental benefits and ensuring a safer and more efficient working condition for ground handlers.
Next Steps
Our technical next steps are to complete ongoing design for manufacture activities, and integrate and test high voltage current transfers through the entire docking chain (Ground unit – Vehicle adapter – charging load). Alongside this, we will be finalising a production version of the underbody adaper compatible with eGSEs and in particular an autonomous tractor unit that is part of a potential commercial opportunity. We have identified potential commercial partners (vehicle OEM and charging supply chain partner) and we will engage with them on two opportunities (in Japan, and in Dallas, TX/USA).
