Aviation emissions have a significant impact on air quality around airports, contributing to almost 8% of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. To decarbonize the U.S. transportation system and promote sustainable and clean energy sources, electrifying airport operations and prioritizing energy efficiency are crucial.
The Athena Project: Advancing Sustainable Energy in Transportation Hubs
Athena, a collaborative effort funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), is leading the way in integrating transformative technologies into transportation hubs. The project, led by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, aims to support ambitious energy and climate goals in transportation hubs like Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
The Athena Zero-Emissions Vehicles (Athena ZEV) Project
The next phase of Athena, called Athena ZEV, focuses on electrifying transportation and de-risking airport investments, starting with rental cars. By launching the project at DFW, NREL researchers leading Athena ZEV gathered stakeholders and partners to discuss innovative solutions for rapid rental car electrification and address the complex operational and infrastructure challenges associated with decarbonizing airport operations.
The Role of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Rental Fleets and Ground Transportation
As EVs become more prevalent in rental fleets, taxis, and airport ground transportation, the charging infrastructure and operational considerations for decarbonizing airport operations become increasingly complex. Meeting the megawatt-scale high-power charging needs for rapid rental car electrification at airports require advanced controls, renewables, energy storage, and flexible building loads.
Athena’s Data-Informed Models for Efficient and Affordable Transportation
During the initial phase of Athena, NREL researchers created data-informed models of DFW’s current and future mobility requirements. This allowed for efficient and affordable transportation deployment. Using machine learning and real-time data collection, researchers built a “digital twin” of DFW’s roadways and transportation systems to simulate real-world conditions and forecast sustainable solutions.
Complex Infrastructure and Operational Considerations for Decarbonizing Airports
Decarbonizing airports involves intricate operational and infrastructure considerations. Athena ZEV capitalizes on key national laboratory resources to navigate this sophisticated landscape. The project will analyze electrical system upgrades, charging strategies to minimize costs, and rental car turnaround times for customers.
Advanced Tools for Optimizing Energy Storage and Charging Infrastructure
Athena ZEV will leverage NREL’s powerful ARIES platform, digital twins, and charging infrastructure analysis tools to meet the increasing energy demands of electrifying rental car fleets at DFW. The goal is to configure cost-optimal energy storage and solar photovoltaic systems based on climate, building type, and utility rate structure to minimize costs and grid impacts.
Partnerships and Collaboration for Airport Electrification
Participation from diverse stakeholders is vital for the success of Athena ZEV. The project emphasizes collaboration with organizations like the American Car Rental Association and Airports Council International to drive innovation and overcome challenges. Partner input and guidance helped shape the first phase of Athena, and it will continue to be crucial for the success of Athena ZEV.
Scaling Solutions for Airport Electrification
Athena ZEV will focus on solving challenges specific to DFW while collaborating with other airports nationwide to assess best practices and scalability of various approaches to airport electrification. The tools and resources developed by Athena ZEV will support broader replication and enable the integration of high-power charging infrastructure in a timely manner.
Towards a Sustainable Energy Future
NREL’s tools and technological expertise are essential for supporting airport electrification, but partnerships and stakeholder buy-in are equally important. Athena ZEV will form an advisory board to inform future tool development and ensure the project’s success. Airport electrification is an integral part of achieving a sustainable energy future, and the involvement of all stakeholders is crucial.
