A Framework for the Development of Technical Requirements for Renewable Energy Systems at a Small-Scale Airport Facility

Airports are key components of the global transportation system and are the subject of continuous sustainability improvements. Promoting clean energy sources and energy-efficient practices can help attain major sustainability goals at airports around the world. Although small airports are greater in number, most of the “sustainability” attention has been given to large airports. Small airports are typically located in rural areas, making them excellent candidates for renewable energy. This paper focuses on the planning and selection of renewable energy systems as a strategic method to reduce energy use and increase electric power reliability at small-scale airport facilities. The target system may use a combination of renewable energy sources to produce electrical power for the on-site facilities. The framework details include methods of energy collection, power production, and energy storage that are environmentally sound. A small airport serving a dual role as a flight training facility was used as case study. In the case study, systems engineering methodology was adapted to the small airport/ renewable energy domain in order to effectively identify stakeholders and elicit user requirements. These, coupled with industrial standards, relevant government regulations, and a priori constraints, are used to derive the initial requirements that serve as the basis for a preliminary design. The proposed framework also contains provisions for an on-site assessment of existing airport energy needs, sources, providers, and location-specific assets and challenges.