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Focus points for the facilitation of electrically powered general aviation aircraft by Jan Huizing
The global discussion on ways to reduce the use of fossil fuels is pushing up demand for energy from alternative and renewable sources for transport purposes. Also in aviation. As the first electric aircraft have meanwhile taken to the skies, airport operators have to prepare their facilities to accommodate them. In this information sheet, the Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate focuses on a number of points to consider for airports that want to facilitate electric aircraft.
aviation fuels, are developing rapidly.
This information sheet addresses specific hazards that may occur in facilitating electrically powered aircraft. Electrically powered aircraft As stated earlier, the battery pack contains many thousands (over 15,000) of cells (energy carriers). The biggest hazard involved in these kinds of cells is that they can heat up excessively and consequently ignite. This is what we refer to as a thermal runaway. These cells can get too hot due to various causes (see Fig. 3). If one of the cells ignites, it is very difficult to extinguish. A fire in one cell can spread to the other lithium-ion cells. In 2010, a cargo aircraft crashed in Dubai 1 after a consignment of lithium batteries in the hold caught fire. The chance of this kind of incident occurring increases as the number of electrical-chemical storage systems for the energy transition increases. toxic substances, such as hydrogen fluoride and lithium hydroxide. When fighting such a fire, respiratory protection must be worn and used, for compliance with regulations relating to working conditions.
The cells as fire accelerants
Chance of fire Underlying causes of fire starting inside the battery • Manufacturing defect • Mechanical impact • Short circuit • Assembly defect • Overcharging • Deep discharge • Ageing • Etc.
Quickly burns uncontrollably if more and more cell packs ignite each other.
This information sheet is intended for information purposes only. It was drafted based partly on consultations with Pipistrel Aircraft and IFly Europe. Introduction Aviation is in transition. Growing carbon and nitrogen emission problems are calling for changes to the various sources of these emissions, one of which is aviation. In its aviation policy document from 2020, the Dutch government formulated ambitions for sustainable
The positioning of batteries and distances between batteries determine the chance of fire spreading to adjacent battery packs.
Batteries may ignite due to an ‘external’ fire.
Figure 3
Besides generating heat, a fire will also release toxic substances, such as hydrogen fluoride and lithium hydroxide. When fighting such a fire, respiratory protection must be worn and used, for compliance with regulations relating to working conditions. In 2010, a cargo aircraft crashed in Dubai after a consignment of lithium batteries in the hold caught fire. The chance of this kind of incident occurring increases as
aviation. Electrically powered aircraft, but also the use of other sources of energy, such as hydrogen and sustainable
20 MAY- JUNE 2025 | ARFF NEWS
Figure 3
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