With 18 of Cavotec’s pre-conditioned air (PCAir) systems (earlier post) forming the centerpiece of the project, Cavotec will also deliver and install pop-up units, transformer sub-stations, 400Hz power supply systems, a Vacuum Evacuation System, a blue water supply system and a potable water supply system. The installation work is due for completion in February 2011 with a subsequent operation and maintenance period for one year.

While the Cavotec PCAir system itself is a new system, the concept draws together proven and tested engineering expertise from, among others, Alfa Laval, Atlas Copco and Fladung. For the other systems covered in this deal Cavotec is cooperating with companies such as Siemens and Roediger.

PCAir. The Cavotec PCAir system expands dry compressed air to cool parked aircraft. Pilots often run on-board auxiliary power units (APUs) to cool aircraft. These APUs can burn between 200 and 600 liters (53 to 159 gallons US) of fuel per hour.

The Cavotec PCAir system supports airports in creating APU free aprons, providing the dual benefits of reducing pollution and reducing costs.

This order is an element of the Bahrain Airport’s US$4.7 billion expansion program designed to cater for the projected growth in passenger and freight numbers. The expansion, planned over the next 30 years, will triple passenger capacity to 27 million a year. Two new terminals will be opened in the next four years as part of the expansion.