Power Generation Sustainability in Aviation Ground-Based Maintenance, Rectification, Overhaul, Testing Operations
摘要
The Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul operations play an important role in all mission critical systems, obviously these include Airports and Aircraft used in civilian and military. MRO activities include. But not limited to, overhaul, inspection, replacement, defect rectification, and the embodiment of modifications, compliance with airworthiness directives and repair. This is to ensure the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft or aircraft part. For commercial airlines, the MRO facilities are usually located at the airline's major hub since MROs are owned and operated by the airline and they provide all levels of services and repair. The air traffic control operations ensure aviation safety and interruption are not tolerated. While the power provided by the utility companies are largely dependable, blackouts and interruptions can happen, one of the most uncontrollable contribute is bad weather where airports may be powered by emergency power supply during outrages. But what if the cut over fails? The electrical switch-gear connects the backup power generation or the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system to mission critical systems, equipment or facilities. It is usually composed of electrical disconnect switches, fuses or circuit breakers used to control, protect and isolate electrical equipment. This type of equipment improves the reliability of the power supply. On 18 December 2017, the Atlanta Airport reported a power interruption due to failure in the switch-gear. When the main supply failed, the switch-gear failed too causing the airport to suffer a total of power outrage. This resulted cancellation of 1100 flights and suffered 30,000 passengers (Mutzabaugh in Atlanta power outage: More than 1,100 flights canceled Ben, USA Today, 2017). What if the failure in switch-gear can be detected beforehand?