CombiBox System Scandinavia - Integrated Aircraft Ground Support System

CombiBox Systems develops and markets fixed underground support systems which, either separately or combined, supply vital media to airplanes at the gates of airport terminals or remote stands. Our support systems can supply 400Hz ground power, preconditioned air, fresh water, lavatory services and jet fuel.

A system consists of two main parts: a service unit, and pits / boxes. The service unit generates (or transforms) the specific medium and is connected to the boxes via cables or pipes. The boxes are located close to where the service is required and equipped with hoses or cables for connection to the aircraft.

RAPID-DEPLOYMENT UNDERGROUND SUPPORT SYSTEMS

With CombiBox systems installed, services are at hand and ready to use. Cables and hoses are rapidly and easily connected when the aircraft has docked, reducing the number of manhours required. At departure time, cables and hoses are swiftly put back into pits optimised to be close to the aircraft connection points. This is opposed to mobile systems where you have multiple vehicles and staff driving to the gate, waiting during service and then returning from the gate.

One significant difference is that diesel for the generation of 400Hz power, or PCA, is not used, since a CombiBox system is using electricity out of the grid (which is less expensive and more efficient).

LONG-LASTING, ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY UNDERGROUND SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Replacement of mobile units every – say – seventh year costs a lot of money, but this is avoided with CombiBox equipment, which has a 25+ year life expectancy. Since underground systems mostly consist of fixed parts, the maintenance costs are much lower. As a result, the airport saves on investment, maintenance, diesel and labour costs.

Compared with an under-the-bridge system, a CombiBox system is closer to the aircraft, has fewer moving parts, and is less exposed to damage. That makes the yearly maintenance costs, and the costs for cables, hoses and spare parts, lower. It also means that the replacement costs per year are lower than for the alternatives.

The CombiBox systems are the systems most friendly to the environment. All equipment is stationary, nothing moves or causes emissions. The aircraft shuts down its engines immediately on reaching the gate so that the 400Hz can be connected without waiting for a GPU to arrive. No moving vehicles are necessary (with the exception of baggage and catering vehicles).

Trucks and workers on the apron for 400Hz electricity, PCA, potable water and wastewater can be made redundant. Reducing the number of vehicles and people working on the apron leads to a decrease in the number of accidents. No other system improves the safety in a similar manner.

COMBIBOX PITS

The CombiBox pits are made of galvanised steel and designed and manufactured for 100 years of in-ground use. The pits are load-tested and certified for 100t of load pressure; i.e. the nose wheel of a widebody aircraft. The pits are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies for delivering 400Hz, PCA, water, jet fuel and other service media.

400HZ ELECTRICITY CONVERTER

The 400Hz system consists of a converter supplying a pit installed close to the aircraft connection point. The pit contains a lightweight cable with a connector.

PCA AIR CONDITIONING UNIT

From the PCA air conditioning service unit, air is supplied through an underground duct to the pit which contains a heavy-duty hose.

POTABLE WATER PLANT

The central potable water plant supplies the pit through underground pipes, keeping the water in constant circulation. The aircraft receives water through a flexible filling hose placed in the pit.

WASTEWATER COLLECTION AND TANK CLEANING

The lavatory system consists of a central vacuum unit connected to the pits, enabling central collection of wastewater. Besides a vacuum hose, the pit contains a flush water hose for tank cleaning and sanitary chemical injection.

JET FUEL PIT

The jet fuel pit in the apron is connected to the airport fuel distribution system via underground fuel lines. The fuel is then transferred from the pit to the aircraft by a fuel dispenser truck.

AIRPORT GROUND EQUIPMENT: PROJECTS / REFERENCES

The systems of CombiBox have been supplied to many airports in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, including Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Dubai, Jeddah and Hyderabad. CombiBox systems have also been installed in hangars at numerous airports worldwide. .