The Invisible Threat of EMC in Airport Security

Schiphol’s electrical infrastructure is immense, with an annual consumption of 200 million kWh and a diversity of users comparable to that of a medium-sized town. The greatest technical challenge, however, lies in the security lanes. This is where hundreds of advanced scanners and detection gates are concentrated. Although individual devices comply with CE standards, the combination of all these non-linear loads creates a complex power quality issue. Those responsible for the installation were faced with unexplained risks: ranging from accelerated ageing of expensive equipment to the unwanted tripping of circuit breakers.

For an airport of this calibre, uncertainty regarding the availability of security gates is unacceptable. A malfunction leads directly to queues, delays and damage to reputation. The fear of failure due to invisible EMC interference was very real. As Ton Baltus, Manager of Installation Operations at Schiphol, outlines the urgency:

"When large numbers of passengers have to pass through security lanes on their way to their destination, we really can't afford outages and delays!"

Standard inspections and standards fall short in this area, and with the data we uncover with HyTEPS, we can properly highlight the importance of EMC and Power Quality.

Ton Baltus Manager Installation Manager Schiphol Full story
Engineer with Power Quality monitor

From Measuring to Knowing: Power Quality in Map

To identify the exact cause of the disruptions, HyTEPS initiated an in-depth measurement process in collaboration with Deerns, Engie and Scarabee. Our analysis of the current and voltage quality showed that harmonic currents were accumulating in the neutral conductor. This phenomenon posed a direct threat to fire safety and the continuity of the installation.

Manager of Technical Engineering Christan van Dorst confirmed through simulations that the three-phase circuit had become unbalanced due to the protection devices. The data showed conclusively: without intervention, these EMC risks led to unavoidable hardware damage and failure. We based the solution not on assumptions, but on hard measured data.

Targeted Approach: 7 Active Filters for Maximum Stability

Our engineers installed seven Active Harmonic Filters (AHF) on the distribution boards supplying the security lanes. These filters continuously measure harmonic distortion and immediately inject a counter-current to neutralise harmonics. Despite the airport’s 24/7 operation, we planned the installation so that passenger flows were not disrupted at any time.

The result is a stable installation with drastically reduced harmonic load (THD). The sine wave has been restored and zero currents have been reduced to safe levels. In doing so, we have removed uncertainty and ensured long-term security of supply for Schiphol Airport.

Engineer monitor

Security in every kilowatt

Power quality problems are complex, but the solution does not have to be. HyTEPS takes responsibility from measurement to solution. Prevent risks in your critical processes.

HyTEPS

Beemdstraat 3

5653 MA Eindhoven

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