Innovative energy for airport logistics

The infrastructure of an airport is crucial for the efficient handling of passengers and freight. Electric tow tractors play an important role in this context. For example, they transport baggage and freight to the airport apron and deliver supplies to shops in the terminal. Emission-free in operation, they also have a high towing capacity and offer excellent maneuverability due to their compact dimensions. They have therefore become firmly established not only at airports, but also in the processing industry, in wholesale trade and as postal delivery vehicles.

At the inter Airport Europe exhibition (8-10 October in Munich, Germany), Linde Material Handling will be presenting its extensive range of tow tractors in the outdoor exhibition area, alongside a large number of safety solutions and assistance systems. A special highlight at the exhibition will be the new, hydrogen-powered version of the Linde P250 tow tractor. In addition to the numerous product benefits offered by the standard model (e.g. a sturdy chassis, spacious driver’s cab that protects against vibrations and noise, and three independent braking systems), this model also comes with the advantages of FuelCell technology. Short refueling times of just a few minutes ensure maximum availability, especially in multi-shift operation, and handling at the hydrogen fuel pump is safe and clean. Further advantages include the favorable price of hydrogen, avoidance of peaks in electricity demand and the long service life of the FuelCells. In addition, national and European funding programs can make the solution even more attractive from a financial point of view. If the hydrogen is obtained from electrolysis with regenerative electricity, such as from a photovoltaic system or combined heat and power with biogas, CO2 emissions are reduced, making the energy particularly environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Right on time for inter Airport Europe 2019, the leading international airport equipment exhibition, intralogistics specialist Linde Material Handling is expanding its portfolio of FuelCell trucks by the Linde P250 tow tractor with 25 tons of tractive force.

FuelCell powered trucks are particularly worthwhile for companies that operate a large fleet, demand high performance from the vehicles and use them in multi-shift operation with high annual operating hours. If hydrogen is produced as a waste product during operation or is required during production, this is an additional argument in favor of the fuel cell drive.

Linde Material Handling began developing FuelCell powered industrial trucks 20 years ago; the first units went into series production in 2010. Today, the intralogistics specialist offers the largest product range on the market. Around 80 percent of all models can be ordered with this forward-looking energy variant. These include pallet trucks, reach trucks and counterbalanced trucks, including the Roadster model that offers optimized visibility.