SOLAR POWER INSTEAD OF DIESEL SOOT: THE SOLAR AIRSTAIRS
The stairs allow the passengers to board and disembark from Boeing 737 and Airbus A320-class aircraft safely, and while remaining dry. The reduction in CO2 and exhaust gases is obvious and under real-life conditions even higher than one would initially expect. The reason: owing to the short distances the diesel engines previously used ran almost constantly in the unfavourable cold start mode. This disproportionately increases emissions, consumption, and wear-and-tear.
There is no cold start with the electric drive. In addition, the batteries are charged in an environmentally friendly way via solar panels installed on the roof of the stairs. Only in winter when the solar radiation is not sufficient will the batteries be charged via the normal mains for which there is also a connection installed. Even the lighting of the stairs utilises very economical LEDs.
This is a win/win situation for the environment, passengers, employees and Fraport as the operator.
