Airport Solutions
Preconditioned Air (PCA) Units for Aircrafts
What is a PCA Unit?
Preconditioned Air Unit(PCA) is a specialized air conditioning device on the ground designed to provide fresh air that has been filtered, pressurized, dehunidified, and cooled(or heated) for aircraft cabins parked on the ground. This helps maintain a comfortable cabin environment for passengers and crew without requiring the aircraft to use its auxiliary power unit(APU) or onboard environmental control system, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Key points about PCA units:
- Provides Heating & Cooling: Supplies conditioned air (warm or cool) to the aircraft when it is parked at the gate.
- Reduces Fuel Consumption: Eliminates the need for running the aircraft’s APU, saving fuel.
- Lowers Carbon Emissions: Helps airports and airlines meet environmental regulations by cutting emissions.
- Improves Passenger Comfort: Maintains an optimal cabin temperature before boarding.
PCA units are powered by electricity, offering significant advantages over traditional APUs that use jet fuel for power generation and climate control. They notably reduce operational costs by minimizing fuel consumption and related expenses. Additionally, PCA units contribute to lower carbon emissions and reduced noise pollution. With fewer maintenance needs, they enhance cost efficiency, making them a preferred option for airlines and ground operations.
- When an APU is running, noise levels at 5 meters from the tail measure 94.7 dB(A) for the B757 and 89.4 dB(A) for the B767, according to Hangjia Technology. In comparison, the Shenling AC215 PCA unit produces just 78 dB(A), as tested in the Shenling laboratory.
- APU emissions per ton of aviation kerosene consumed include CO₂(3,187 kg), SO₂(0.98 kg), CO (0.56 kg), and NOX (21.12 kg), based on data from the International Air Transport Association.
- Fuel consumption and cost data from Honeywell indicate that an APU with air conditioning consumes 0.116 tons of fuel per hour, costing $75.2 at an average fuel price of $648.6 per ton. In contrast, the AC215 PCA unit operates at 81 kWh for cooling, with an industrial electricity cost of $0.14 per kWh.
About Shenling PCA
● 1st generation of DX PCA
● The 1st PCA manufaturer in China
● COP is appr. 1.6
● 2nd generation of DX PCA
● COP > 2.15, the highest in the industry
● With comprehensive performance optimization & improvement
● Low-temp. evaporative chiller +high-pressure fresh air AHU
● COP > 3.5, highest in the industry
● Innovative energy-saving applications in the industry
● Cold storage PCA
● COP ≥ 3.95
● Continuous technological innovation to serve green airport
● DC inverter PCA, the 1st in the industry
● PCB refrigerant cooling technology
● Frost inhibiting technology
● ±1℃ temperture control
Product Categories
Bridge-mounted type
Floor-standing type
Mobile type
Vehicle-mounted type
(self-powered)
Hybrid type(chiller+terminal)
Product Features
1. Rapid Cooling
2. Energy Saving
3. Smart Control
4. High Adaptability
5. Easy Maintenance
6. High Reliability
Why Shenling PCA ?
Serving over 50 airports with over 2300 PCA units
Over 70% market share on PCA in China
No.1 PCA manufacturer in the world
Key editor of China PCA national standard
Beijing Capital Airport, inaugurated in 2007, was the first airport in China to implement PCA units for airplane cabin cooling. Shenling supplied a total of 36 PCA units, comprising 14 C-class and 22 D-class units. Their reliable performance earned Shenling continued recognition, securing partners’ selection in subsequent tenders.
Reference Projects
Shenling brings extensive expertise in designing, manufacturing, installing, and maintaining PCA units for airports worldwide. Committed to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, our solutions meet the highest industry standards, ensuring optimal performance and energy savings for airport operations. From major international hubs to regional terminals, we deliver tailored solutions that enhance passenger comfort and ground operations. Explore our successful global projects below.