may2023 - 14

Cover Story
According to Rocha, the modular design also assists with
spare part inventories.
When components need to be replaced, all parts, such as
the self-containing cooling modules, condenser fans and main
blower, can be replaced without removing the PCA unit from
the passenger boarding bridge, he says. The modular design
also enables quick cleaning. Once the cooling modules have
been pulled out, the internal plenum and stainless steel drain
pan are accessible.
In the event a module is not working, the PCA does not shut
down entirely. Rather, explains Rocha, the unit's software will
identify the non-operating module and spread the cooling
demand to the other modules.
" When you have a system that has multiple modules, you
can actually take one out and continue to operate with what's
remaining in the system while you repair the other one, "
Rocha says, adding customer feedback on this feature has
been very positive.
As an option, the 3500 can also utilize a built-in 400 Hz
GPU. Integrating the GPU with the PCA means saving space
and reducing the weight under the passenger boarding bridge,
Rocha explains.
" Consequently, instead of having two boxes that communicate
and share power, the ITW GSE 3500 is a single enclosure
that controls the complete system, which makes it easier to
install and consequently lowers infrastructure costs, " he says.
" This makes it the ideal solution for narrow-body contact
gates and refurbished gates. "
IPM and EcoGate
The company's Intelligent Power Management (IPM) solution
is available as an option for the 3500 PCA.
" The 3500 works perfectly well as a PCA without IPM. But in
order to exploit the full, intelligent potential of the 3500, you
need IPM, " Rocha says. " IPM is the brains behind the EcoGate
system and it's hosted in the ITW GSE 3500 PCA. With IPM, all
ITW GSE equipment can be powered from a single power line
running from the gate's power supply to the 3500 PCA.
" From there, IPM allocates power dynamically to the different
units - always prioritizing the needs of GPUs, while ensuring
that total power capacity is not exceeded. "
With IPM capabilities, the PCA is able to monitor all connected
equipment. It adjusts the PCA's power consumption
to stay below the preset current limit of the complete gate
system, which ensures that all on-ground electrical needs can
be supplied by the connected GPU.
" This means that the aircraft is serviced, and the combined
power consumption of the PCA and GPU never exceeds the
installed power capacity at the gate, " Rocha says.
Additional EcoGate-compatible equipment, such as a PCA
hose retriever or eGSE charger, can also utilize the IPM.
" It is a whole new environment with this technology, where
before they had to run individual feeds for each product, now
it's just feed one and then that one controls the whole power
consumption for the other accessories, " Rocha says.
Units in Demand
According to ITW GSE, the 3500 PCA is already in great
demand globally from airlines, airports and passenger boarding
bridge manufacturers. Rocha credits this demand to the
unit's modular design, which allows ITW to scale PCAs to
accommodate any climate and any commercial aircraft.
The 3500 is produced at ITW GSE facilities in Palmetto, Florida,
in the United States and Odense, Denmark.
" The demand for PCAs is really taking off especially in
the Americas, and the first PCA 3500s will be supplied as of
summer 2023, " Rocha says, noting units will be delivered to
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Detroit
Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and San Diego
International Airport (SAN).
" The 3500 is a demonstration of our commitment to supplying
the aviation industry with the cleanest, most reliable and
cost-effective GSE systems available, " Rocha concludes.
MORE ONLINE
ITW GSE is manufacturing the
3500 in Palmetto, Florida, as
well as in Denmark.
14 || Ground Support Worldwide || May 2023
For more information and to
view former Product Leaders of
the Year, please visit:
AviationPros.com/Showcase
A key feature of ITW GSE's 3500 PCA is its patented
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) technology, which
enables stepless regulation of discharge temperatures.
https://www.aviationpros.com/21254763 http://www.AviationPros.com/Showcase
may2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of may2023
