Electric ground support equipment (eGSE) offers a number of benefits to the ground handling market, including reduced carbon emissions, quieter operation and less maintenance.
To make an informed choice on battery technology and charger infrastructure, it is critical that decision-makers understand the needs of their electric equipment and have the right chargers available on the airport.
Ground Support Worldwide asked Michael K. Nelson, president at Advanced Charging Technologies (ACT) about the difference between battery charger designations.
Ground Support Worldwide: How do Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 battery chargers differ?
Michael K. Nelson: The Level 1-3 designation generally refers to on-road EV charging systems. Levels 1 and 2 chargers are categorized as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and provide AC power to the vehicle. Each vehicle is equipped with an onboard charger that converts this AC power to DC to charge the battery. The charging power is limited by the size of the vehicle's onboard charger. EVSEs communicate with the EV to regulate how much current is drawn from the grid and ensure the safety of the charging session by utilizing a ground fault interrupter (GFI), detecting missing ground, measuring current and incorporating other safety circuits.
Level 1 chargers operate at an input voltage of 120Vac and offer a maximum power of 1.92kW (120V x 16A).
Level 2 chargers, operating at 240V, typically charge three times faster due to the higher input voltage. The SAEJ1772 standard supports charging up to 80A with a Level 2 charger, reaching a total power of 19.2kW (240V x 80A).
Level 3 chargers, in contrast, accept AC input from the grid and convert it to DC power internally to charge the battery directly. This bypasses the vehicle's onboard charger, with the onboard battery monitoring system (BMS), ensuring the battery charges safely. Level 3 chargers communicate with the Vehicle's On-Board Computer (OBC) to detail the charging session. The output of a typical DC fast charger ranges between 50 – 350kW.
Although not classified within the conventional Level 1-3 framework, the ACT Quantum Charger offers capabilities akin to those of a Level 3 charger, tailored for industrial applications. It's designed for low voltage industrial charging, providing a robust solution that aligns with the fast-charging requirements of modern operational environments.
GSW: What type of GSE/batteries utilize a Level 1 charger?
MKN: GSE typically does not use Level 1 chargers due to the slow charging rate. Level 1 chargers are more commonly used for residential EV charging where overnight charging is sufficient.
GSW: When is a Level 2 charger required?
MKN: A Level 2 charger is required when faster charging rates are needed than what Level 1 can offer, but the super-fast charging of Level 3 is not necessary. This is often the case for daily use where vehicles can afford a few hours for charging, such as in commercial fleets or overnight residential charging.
GSW: What GSE uses require a Level 3 charger?
MKN: Though EV chargers are not designed for GSE, compatibility between specific GSE types and EV charging systems can technically enable such usage. Level 3 chargers, or DC fast chargers, are particularly useful for GSE requiring quick recharges for continuous operation. This includes electric pushback tugs, baggage tractors, belt loaders, ground power units, and cargo loaders.
