An Electric Solution for Conventional Pushbacks
Goldhofer has developed two electric models to complement its BISON line of pushback tractors. This line of conventional pushbacks now includes six models, including the electric BISON E 370 and BISON E 620.
“At GSE Expo 2018 we presented the BISON family in the diesel versions D 370, D 620 and D 1000, plus the electric version, E 370,” says Christof Peer, sales director of airport technology at Goldhofer. “The more powerful models BISON D 1500 and the electric BISON E 620 made their public debut at inter airport Europe 2019.”
The redesign and modification of these models was dictated by the need to adapt the F series, which came into the Goldhofer portfolio when the company acquired Schopf. The objective was a uniform modular design for the BISON series, with a high proportion of carry-over parts and standardized operation.
“Users can choose between different sizes, drive trains, motor power and cabs for specific requirements. Identical parts save storage and costs, and flexible ballasting allows individual configuration, according to the respective application,” Peer says.
The two electric BISON models differ in battery power, weight class and the range of aircraft they serve.
“The BISON E 370 is designed for aircraft weight range until 100 tons, while the BISON E 620 is for aircraft weight range until 250 tons,” says Peer.
The technology features that have been incorporated in the BISON E design combines the same levels of reliability, safety and flexibility as the diesel-engine models.
Since this product has launched, updates to the batteries have been modified to run longer for a lasting experience. As with all Goldhofer tractors, the results of the test phase are incorporated into ongoing production.
“The highly efficient 400 V lithium-ion battery is designed for fast charging, including intermediate charging, and offers 30 percent higher availability than lead-acid batteries,” Peers notes.
The lifespan of the battery depends on the number of charging cycles. As of right now at least 2,500 charging cycles are possible, Peer adds.
The BISON E can be charged with existing infrastructure if a 32-amp or 63-amp CEE socket is available. Goldhofer’s proprietary IonMaster technology allows for intermediate charging, even during short breaks between turnarounds.
“The great advantage of our IonMaster technology is the use of high-performance lithium-ion batteries that allow for opportunity charging,” Peer notes.
That means the e-tractors can be operated almost continuously over several shifts with active temperature management ensuring maximum battery life, Peer adds. With vehicles charged and available on a near permanent basis, the size of the fleet can be reduced as an individual operation allows.
“The IonMaster system is a powerful electric drive operated with high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. As an efficient modular long-life drive concept, IonMaster technology is the key to the highly economical use of the vehicles operated with a range of charging infrastructures,” Peer says.
When working with lithium-ion batteries there must be training provided to ensure safe operation.
“Goldhofer accordingly offers not only dedicated training courses for users but also high-voltage equipment training courses for in-house maintenance personnel,” Peer says.
In addition to user and workshop training, customers can also benefit from the company’s extensive spare parts and repair service, Peer notes.
“When changing over to electric tractors, a number of factors have to be taken into account. In order to benefit from the entire e-mobility added-value package combining efficiency, sustainability and cost-effectiveness, changes in the ground handling infrastructure, for example, are a key issue, and Goldhofer Airport Technology accordingly offers a full range of advisory services,” Peer says.
The services offered are important because decisive questions must be clarified regarding vehicle requirements, charging infrastructure, fleet size and management of the e-tractor fleet.
The Goldhofer Airport Technology division has a focus on the specific requirements of airport logistics as well as the Transport Technology division that delivers user-oriented heavy-haulage solutions and a full range of dedicated accessories for on- and off-road operations with payloads of up to 15,000 tons and more.
Another key consideration for ground handlers is cab capacity. The BISON’s three-man cabin accommodates a driver and two others.
“The Goldhofer tractors are currently available cab-less and with enclosed cabs,” Peers says. “Open-cabs models will soon follow.”
The BISON E models require less maintenance, and identical parts save on storage and other costs while flexible ballasting allows individual configuration.
The BISON E can be used for long-range towing applications in addition to pushback operations.
“The first BISON E vehicles are still being tested, overall, it can be said that our customers are highly satisfied so far,” Peer says.
Though a towbarless option is under development, the entire BISON range consists of conventional tractors with tow-bars.
“At last year's inter airport Europe we unveiled the prototype of the PHOENIX E electric towbarless tractor,” Peer says, noting the test phase for this tractor was scheduled to begin in March.
Geographic location, climate, traffic volume should all be taken into account when making a selection for a BISON E pushback vehicle size. The operational profile and battery capacity also need to be defined.
