Guide to GSE Energy Storage Solutions

Energy Storage Solutions in Use Today

When we talk about energy storage, we're referring to the battery packs used to operate electric GSE. Battery packs can store and retain energy from one source to be used later in mobile applications, like with electric aircraft tugs. Of the many battery pack types, few are rechargeable, and even fewer are suitable for powering electric GSE. This is why most operations use either lead acid or lithium-ion batteries.

What Is a Lead Acid Battery?

Lead acid batteries have been in use for over a century. While they are not the most efficient energy source on the market, they can be easily paralleled for added storage or tied in a series in order to amplify their voltage.

Additionally, lead acid battery packs are an extremely cheap option for any operation. Because they can provide high surge currents at a low price, the lead acid battery remains a popular choice for combustion-starting electric GSE. Lead acid batteries are also deep cycle, meaning that while they are designed to be used and recharged for long periods, it is often recommended not to discharge below 45 percent of their capacity to extend their life.

It's important to note that lead acid battery packs are often still the preferred option for early-generation electric aircraft tugs, where the additional weight is another added benefit. Considering how easy and cost-effective it is to acquire a mass number of lead acid batteries, they will likely remain popular.

What Is a Lithium-Ion Battery?

Lithium-ion batteries are a much newer rechargeable battery pack technology than their lead acid counterparts. They are made up of cells containing lithium ions that move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode through an electrolyte. Lithium-ion batteries have a much higher energy density than lead acid batteries, making them a perfect fit for electric aircraft tugs, cars and motorcycles. They are also mainstream in tablets, laptops and phones.

While a lithium-ion battery pack is quick to charge, can be used for long cycles and has an excellent range and energy density, there is still a glaring issue facing the aviation industry. We're quickly discovering that lithium-ion battery packs are much more challenging to recycle sustainably than a simple lead acid battery. Once lead acid batteries are discarded, most of the components (lead and plastic) are completely recyclable and can be used for the next production cycle. The process for lithium-ion batteries is much more complex. Much of the battery pack is non-recyclable, and not every recycling center will take them.

Of course, diesel power will always have its place in the aviation industry. But electrical power continues to showcase its immense potential in airports, ground handling companies and fixed-base operations worldwide. Sustainable electric GSE is not only more environmentally responsible, but it's also a far safer and more practical option for operations.

A Note on the Possibilities of Lithium Titanate

All GSE, including electric GSE, relies on the current technology of our time. Lithium-ion batteries are the newest energy storage solutions, but they still have issues.

Lithium titanate is an emerging solution with a significant advantage over lithium-ion batteries. It can charge even faster than lithium-ion, enabling fifteen-minute charging times in all weather conditions. Regardless of the application, one of the most significant limitations to electric aircraft tugs is their limited capacity to operate in extreme weather conditions (particularly extreme cold). Lithium titanate currently carries a low energy density, a drawback of this emerging technology. However, as it develops, there are possibilities that it may become the prevailing all-weather energy storage solution for electric aircraft tugs.