Electromagnetic Interference and Compatibility in an Electrified Airport Environment

Since 2022, Luleå University of Technology (LTU), together with various partners, has been involved in several pre-study–oriented projects addressing the issue of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in airport environments. This long-term work has resulted in that LTU, together with Skellefteå Airport, Green Flight Academy AB, Örnsköldsvik Airport, and the Swedish Air Navigation Services (LFV), received funding from the Swedish Transport Administration to carry out the three-year project “Electromagnetic Interference and Compatibility in an Electrified Airport Environment.”

The project aims to identify and eliminate potential obstacles related to EMI and EMC in an electrified airport environment. By developing quantified data and increase clarity regarding regulations and the availability of expertise, the project will facilitate the work of stakeholders affected by EMI and EMC issues at airports. Electromagnetic emissions will be characterized from electric aircraft during operation and charging, as well as from other devices and machines that may constitute potential sources of interference.

Airport systems will be analyzed in order to clarify the risk of being affected by these emissions. Together with impact measurements and models for the propagation of electromagnetic waves, this knowledge will enable the project to quantify potential impacts and study safety margins under various operational scenarios. The project will also explore possibilities for radio spectrum monitoring to enable early detection of potential sources of interference. Through mapping regulations, standards, and national expertise related to EMI and EMC in airport environments, the project will provide relevant stakeholders with knowledge and tools to proactively address these issues before bottlenecks and unexpected obstacles arise at later stages of the ongoing transition toward electrified aviation.

Collaboration between project partners from academia, regional airports, electric aircraft operators, and air traffic management ensures access to the expertise, equipment, and infrastructure necessary for implementation. The project is also supported by a broad and highly competent reference group that will contribute to the utilization and dissemination of the project’s results.

Links

• Electromagnetic Compatibility on Aerodromes, Guidance Document
  Electromagnetic compatibility in aviation is inherently complex, and both current observations and emerging trends reveal challenges that may undermine the reliability of aviation systems. This report provides an introduction to these aspects without requiring extensive technical background and serves as a practical guide to aviation EMC.
  
• Airport electrification and electromagnetic emissions – standards and challenges
  This conference publication provides an overview of airport-related electromagnetic emission standards, comparing product-specific standards with current airport emission regulations. The paper outlines key challenges which may impact airport operations as electrification expands within both the airport environment and aircraft themselves.