Baskar Vairamohan P.E. C.E.M.

Sr. Technical Leader, Electrification

Energy Utilization

Power Delivery and Utilization

EPRI

Baskar Vairamohan is a Senior Technical Leader at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Mr. Vairamohan has over fifteen years of experience in testing, evaluation and application of end-use electric technologies. He is currently leading the research and application of industrial technologies within the EPRI's Electrification for customer productivity program. He is responsible for managing electrification projects related to industrial process heating technologies, water and waste-water treatment technologies, off road transportation including airport ground support equipment as well as additive manufacturing technologies (3D printing). Mr. Vairamohan has co-authored several research papers that were published in technical journals and conferences. Mr. Vairamohan holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) as well as registered professional engineer (P.E.) in the state of TN.

Airports are often located in metropolitan areas that due to several contributing factors, cannot meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). These areas are designated as “non-attainment” areas and must participate in a plan to achieve compliance. Airports and airlines in the United States are focusing on the reduction of ground support equipment (GSE) emissions, which are a significant portion of the emissions generated on a local level. One solution is to replace existing diesel- and gasoline-powered GSE with battery-powered electric alternatives, which can help meet air quality goals, and improve air quality conditions for airport personnel.

In addition to these environmental benefits, the economic benefits of GSE electrification compared to typical fossil-fuel powered counterparts, include:
• Reduced maintenance
• Decreased fuel costs
• Lower life-cycle costs

EPRI has conducted several projects to investigate and demonstrate strategies for airport GSE electrification.

Presentation: Electrification of Airport Ground Support Equipment