Mountair PCA (Preconditioned Air)
Description
The PCA-AHU supplies aircraft with preconditioned fresh air during ground time – cooled in summer, heated in winter. This protects on-board systems, reduces emissions and ensures comfort for crew and passengers. The system fulfils the aircraft manufacturer specifications regarding air volume, pressure and temperature.
Technical overview:
- Intake via filter & weather protection
- Cooling/heating with glycol intermediate circuit
- High-pressure ventilation with stepless control
- Local control, via building management system or FGB
- Cabin temperature control optionally via sensor
Benefits and Features
The Mountair PCA-AHU is based on robust, sound-insulated air handling units and stands out thanks to its durable construction without thermal bridges, easy inspection, and generous maintenance access. Compliance with the VDI 6022 hygiene guideline guarantees the highest hygiene standards with easily accessible components, water collection trays, and standard-compliant air filtration.
A particularly noteworthy feature is the Mountair design with intermediate cooling circuit: this reduces the refrigerant volume and risk of leaks and increases operational reliability. Two separate cooling circuits ensure energy savings, redundancy, and reliable operation, even in the event of partial failure or during defrost cycles.
The systems operate with variable control ranges and use modern Bitzer compressors (piston or screw compressors with frequency converters) as well as highly efficient fans with continuously variable speed control. Electric and hot water air heaters are available for winter operation, allowing for flexibility in the choice of energy source.
A powerful PLC (Siemens Climatix) ensures precise control, supported by intuitive control panels for personnel and crew. Furthermore, the concept allows for flexible deployment: from operating individual aircraft to multi-aircraft operation with redundant systems and integrated mass flow measurement.
Construction & Design
- Stable aluminium profile frame construction
- Thermal bridge-decoupled profiles – no condensation
- Equipment panelling with insulated panels
- Smooth-walled inner shell – no protruding components
- External screw connections – thermally decoupled
- Inspection access via doors with quick-release fasteners (not screwed)
- Generous access for maintenance and service
- Air filter with quick-change system in the mounting frame
Hygiene according to VDI 6022
- Generous access openings for maintenance, cleaning and inspection
- Easy accessibility for hygiene checks
- Removal and installation of cooling/heating registers possible even in the event of an emergency
- Condensate tray with gradient for controlled drainage
- Standard-compliant air filtration in two stages (e.g. ePM10 + ePM1)
- Robust, hygienically perfect materialisation of all surfaces
Execution and partner company
Within the framework of the AGES (Aircraft Ground Energy System), we are implementing projects together with IST-Edelstahl-Anlagenbau AG from Thun. There are current project examples at Frankfurt Airport and Munich Airport.
