Charging electric cars is commonplace nowadays, but in aviation it is still far from obvious. Charging an electric aircraft without physical supervision raises all kinds of questions. To do this safely, technology can help. Many things still require additional research. Related to this, TULIPS-partners Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA), Pipistrel and the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (Royal NLR) demonstrated a smart solution for unattended charging of an electric-powered aircraft.
Unattended charging
TULIPS has setup an advanced camera system by BOSCH, allowing for safe monitoring of charging using smart software, data exchange and camera images. This system was demonstrated last year (in September) with the Pipistrel Velis Electro, an electric two-seater aircraft, owned by NLR. The demonstration took place at the Rotterdamsche AeroClub at RTHA.
During the event, the first results of monitoring the unattended charging of an electric aircraft were presented to experts. Remote battery status was successfully monitored and remote charging was stopped. In addition, smart cameras were able to detect the presence of persons near the aircraft and (simulated) smoke development. The airport fire brigade responded quickly and as planned when smoke was detected. The various technological solutions presented on the day aim to make remote monitoring of electric aircraft charging a reality over time.
General aviation
Regional airports play an important role in the transition to electric aviation. As a testing ground for innovation, RTHA facilitates the airport area as a demonstration and test site for new sustainable ideas and solutions. The small scale of the airport and cooperation with partners allow innovations to be tested quickly.
Electric flying is one of the options for fossil-free general aviation. We expect 100% of flights by flight schools at RTHA to be electric by 2035. Preparations are therefore underway, such as creating multiple charging points, ensuring the safety of the infrastructure and retraining the airport fire brigade when it comes to fire safety in electric aircraft and related charging infrastructures around electric aircraft.
About TULIPS
Led by Royal Schiphol Group, TULIPS (‘DemonsTrating lower pollUting soLutions for sustaInable airPorts acrosS Europe’) is a consortium dedicated to developing innovations that facilitate the transition to low-carbon mobility and enhance sustainability at airports. The project began in January 2022 and will continue until December 2025 and beyond. One of its main objectives is to develop sustainability roadmaps based on evidence from seven focus areas with a total of 17 demonstrations.
