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ITW GSE 3500 PCA

The new ITW GSE 3500 PCA automatically adapts its airflow to the specific aircraft type - and not just to an aircraft category.

The modular design is the hallmark of ITW GSE and ensures exceptional efficiency and reliability, and the interchangeable cooling modules are easily swapped in only 20 minutes.

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Smart advantages and features

  • Automated Aircraft Type Detection through integration with VDGS or BMS
  • Savings on infrastructure costs with optional Intelligent Power Management (IPM)
  • Maximum uptime thanks to modular design
  • Efficient optimal cooling via innovative VFD, compressor and blower
  • Reduce your carbon footprint and costs
  • Manufactured in Denmark and Florida
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Automated Aircraft Type Detection - how it works

The 3500 enhances passenger comfort via a new Automated Aircraft Type Detection (AATD) technology that integrates with your VDGS or BMS solution.

As the aircraft approaches the gate, AATD enables the 3500 to recognize its exact aircraft type – not just the category. The 3500 then automatically sets the optimal airflow settings, improving PCA cooling performance by up to 54% and reducing the risk of operator error.

Watch this video to see how AATD detects the approaching aircraft type and automatically dials in the right airflow settings.

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Modular Design

The ITW GSE 3500 PCA is a truly modular PCA.

  • Replace a module in less than 20 min
  • No welding to be done at gate
  • Improved MTTR
  • Common refrigerant circuit for 150 & 210
  • An inoperative module will NOT shutdown the PCA
  • Module removable even when PCA unit mounted underneath PBB
  • Cleaning the internal plenum in less than 2h30
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modular 3500 no cable

Stepless regulation

The 3500 design includes updated VFD technology that allows for easy, stepless regulation of the discharge temperature. This means the 3500 supplies exactly the right amount of cold air, never more.

Most PCAs are designed for peak load conditions although these conditions probably only apply for 10-20 days each year, and deliver excess capacity for about 80% of the time, wasting lots of expensive energy and creating undesirable emissions.

Along with saving energy, stepless regulation helps lower emissions at the gate and reducess mechanical stress, improving reliability and extending the 3500's service life.

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3500 stepless regulation vfd

Unlock more from your existing power capacity with EcoGate

The ITW GSE 3500 PCA is EcoGate-enabled and designed to help airports make better use of available power at the gate. Within an EcoGate environment, ground support units work together through electrification, power sharing, data sharing, and technical synergies – transforming standalone equipment into a coordinated system that maximizes existing capacity.

When equipped with IPM (Intelligent Power Management), the 3500 PCA supports dynamic power allocation across connected units. Aircraft demand is always prioritized, while total power consumption remains within available limits. This removes one of the biggest barriers to electrification and enables airports to modernize and expand without costly infrastructure upgrades.

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Enhance your EcoGate setup with the 3500 Air Coil

In EcoGate, performance depends not only on power availability, but also on efficient airflow and reliable hose handling.

When paired with the 3500 PCA, the ITW GSE 3500 Air Coil supports the technical synergy pillar of EcoGate by improving hose management and maintaining consistent air delivery. The result is stable cabin comfort, reduced operational strain, and a more reliable electrified gate environment.

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aircoil and the ecogate bridge installation at PBB - 3500 air coil - Automatic PCA Hose Management System

Utilize available capacity with ITW GSE Power Share

The ITW GSE 3500 PCA is designed to handle peak cooling demand. In daily operation, this often leaves available electrical capacity that can be put to better use.

With ITW GSE Power Share, this capacity can be redistributed to charge eGPUs or power other AC equipment — all within existing grid limits.

Power Share can be connected directly to the PCA or installed independently within the gate setup. Aircraft power and cooling demands are always prioritized. When capacity is constrained, non-essential loads are temporarily disconnected and automatically restored once power becomes available.

power share from ITW GSE

Reduce your carbon footprint and costs

Carbon reductions are top of mind for airports worldwide. Our "Go Green on Ground" concept can reduce parked-aircraft emissions by 80–85% by replacing the aircraft's APU with a 400 Hz solid-state GPU and a pre-conditioned air unit.

In addition to the environmental win, this solution saves on costly APU maintenance and benefits passengers, airport staff and the airport's general surroundings via significant noise reduction.

This 3500 PCA unit supplies fresh, clean air into parked aircraft at carefully monitored temperatures and provides a pleasant atmosphere for both crew and passengers.

Go Green On Ground

Controlled performance with Intelligent Power Management

Intelligent Power Management (IPM) is an optional feature available on the ITW GSE 3500 PCA. It allows operators to define the maximum current drawn from the airport power supply, ensuring operation remains within available capacity and reducing the risk of overload.

If grid capacity is increased, the preset limit can be adjusted accordingly — allowing the unit to deliver higher cooling output while maintaining passenger comfort.

A high power factor of > 0.97 reduces line current by up to 20% compared to similar PCA units with the same rating, potentially lowering cable sizing requirements and installation costs. Variable frequency drive (VFD) control of compressors and blowers further supports efficient lifetime operation.

The 3500 PCA also uses microchannel condenser technology and a compact design to minimize refrigerant volume while maintaining high cooling performance.

Intelligent Power Management

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 3500 PCA different from traditional PCA units?

The ITW GSE 3500 PCA stands out with its Automated Aircraft Type Detection feature, which enables it to deliver precise airflow tailored to the exact aircraft type - rather than using average values based on aircraft category. This increases cooling efficiency by more than 50%, improving passenger comfort while minimizing energy waste​.

How does the 3500 PCA support sustainable operations?

As the central component of ITW GSE’s EcoGate system, the 3500 PCA optimizes gate efficiency by sharing and prioritizing power among all connected GSE. This reduces infrastructure strain, lowers installation costs, and supports airports’ carbon reduction targets by enabling smarter electrification​​.

How does the 3500 PCA help manage power efficiently at the gate?

The 3500 PCA features Intelligent Power Management (IPM) and can seamlessly distribute and share power with other ITW GSE equipment like GPUs and chargers. It ensures that overall gate power consumption stays within a set limit, without sacrificing cabin comfort or operational reliability​.

How does the modular design of the 3500 PCA benefit airport operations?

The ITW GSE 3500 PCA features a truly modular design that simplifies maintenance and minimizes downtime. Modules can be replaced in under 20 minutes - even when the unit is mounted beneath the passenger boarding bridge - with no welding required. An inoperative module won’t shut down the entire unit, and internal plenum cleaning can be completed in less than 2.5 hours. This design significantly improves Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and supports uninterrupted gate operations​.

Where is the 3500 PCA manufactured, and is global support available?

The 3500 PCA is manufactured in dual production sites in Palmetto, Florida, and Odense, Denmark, ensuring fast delivery worldwide. Backed by ITW GSE’s trusted after-sales service and global support network, customers receive reliable assistance no matter where they operate​.

AFIF Funding Supports Airport Electrification Projects

The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) provides EU funding to accelerate the deployment of alternative energy infrastructure across the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Through the Connecting Europe Facility, the European Commission is investing more than €600 million to support projects that reduce emissions and strengthen sustainable transport operations — including at airports.

AFIF supports investments that enable aircraft to use ground-based electricity instead of auxiliary power units (APUs). This helps airports and airlines reduce COâ‚‚ emissions, noise, and local air pollution while improving energy efficiency during turnaround.

The ITW GSE 3500 PCA helps airports take advantage of these funding opportunities by delivering efficient, electric ground cooling that enables APU-off operations. When integrated into a scalable gate solution, it supports projects that expand capacity, optimize existing power infrastructure, and accelerate the transition to low-emission ground operations.

TEN-T Regulation: Pre-Conditioned Air Required at Major Airports

Under the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) framework, Article 33 requires airports on the core and comprehensive network to provide pre-conditioned air (PCA) to stationary aircraft as part of their energy and environmental infrastructure.

The requirement supports the EU’s objective to reduce emissions, noise, and fuel use by enabling aircraft to switch off auxiliary power units (APUs) during turnaround. For larger airports — particularly those handling more than four million passengers annually — PCA is a key element in meeting environmental and operational standards.

The ITW GSE 3500 PCA helps airports meet these requirements with efficient, electric ground cooling and flexible installation options that support compliance within existing power capacity.

Formerly known as AXA Power and Hobart

Until 2018, our PCA units were sold under the AXA Power and Hobart brands.

Read about our brand history.

 

You see all current ITW GSE Air units here.

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EcoGate - Advancing Gate Economics

What is EcoGate?

EcoGate is a high-efficiency system of ITW GSE ground support units designed to facilitate continuous optimization of critical gate functions.
It is your way to make improvements affordably and to reduce your carbon footprint further!

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