Achieving the Air Force energy vision of“making energy a consideration in all we do” involves a clear understanding of how energy impacts the Air Force’s critical capabilities. In support of these efforts, the Air Force addresses research and evaluation needs through AFRL’s Advanced Power Technology Office (APTO).
A portable Data Acquisition system gathers information from ground equipment during flightline operations, providing insight on how the equipment performs in real-time. (Photo provided by the Air Force Research Lab/Released)
Flightline power requirements for Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) within the Air Force are currently unknown. Legacy AGE does not monitor or report energy utilization data or power use during aircraft service and maintenance. Without a baseline for comparison, the performance of new energy technologies and electrification of flightline maintenance activities cannot be objectively evaluated.
APTO conducted research to develop and demonstrate a methodology to gather information for legacy flightline systems, including real-time maintenance operational data, as well as aircraft phase inspection, generator fuel usage, and generator efficiencies testing data.
APTO has been collecting real-time flightline maintenance and phase inspection data for the A/M32A-60 and B809, two trailer-mounted ground power units used to provide electrical power for starting and servicing aircraft. The gathering efforts occurred at multiple Air Force bases over several months. As a result, APTO is developing a unique Data Acquisition (DAQ) system to capture AGE power statistics from Air Force flightlines and aircraft in real-time.
Data reporting will provide insight on operational history, continuous and peak power requirements for flighline AGE, identification of equipment strengths and weaknesses, and probability of successful transition of the technology in support of overarching objectives.
This information can then be developed into a model that will allow AGE assets to be aligned with actual airframe service and maintenance requirements. Additional DAQ system and data collection developments under this effort will continue to enhance AGE power collection data efforts across the Air Force.
The research conducted by APTO addresses priorities of the Air Force Energy Strategic Plan and fosters a culture of energy awareness by measuring and reporting fuel consumption and load profiles for flightline AGE.
Additionally, the project demonstrates the ability to gather definitive energy usage data from legacy equipment and establishes baselines for evaluation of emerging technologies with the overall goal of reducing fuel dependency.
The APTO program executes technology development and demonstration of alternative energy technologies on behalf of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy.
APTO’s mission is to scope and develop technologies to meet user requirements, progress solutions through Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), and highlight technology transition activities for Air Force enterprise use.
Story and information provided by the Air Force Research Lab.
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