New Orleans Airport to feature massive solar array
We mentioned recently that the Northern Territory began work on a solar panel project at the Alice Springs Airport (ASA) that would not only provide a majority of the facility’s energy needs but provide shade for the long term cars parked at the airport – another great example of Aussie ingenuity.
Now the Louis Armstrong Airport in New Orleans (MSY) has lined up for a solar upgrade with an array being incorporated into the existing airport enclosure.
Embracing solar technology reinforces the designer’s principles that the facility should not only look futuristic but take advantage of the technologies of the future.
It’s hoped that the solar system will be large enough to power the entire airport, not only cutting costs but helping in the event of an energy crisis including, but not limited to, a Category 4 hurricanes like Katrina. Enough solar panels would be installed to generate 10MW of power, or the equivalent of powering 1,500 standard homes.
Significant savings will be made at the airport, with energy costs last year reaching over $3.5 million. The plans form part of a $826 million upgrade to the facility with other features including a new terminal that expands the capabilities of the airport, a new hotel and Interstate flyover ramp to keep traffic flowing.
Making up some of the country’s largest solar generators, the upgrade to Louis Armstrong Airport would bring it in line with similar solar plants installed at Denver and Indianapolis airports.
Designing and implementing solar panel systems can be tricky business. A solar array at the Manchester-Boston airport caused disruption to flight paths when reflections from the sun resulted in pilots complaining about glare reducing viability.
Airport officials are hopeful of obtaining funding from the state government to complete the project in time for the airport’s 70th anniversary in 2016, celebrating its conversion from a military base to a domestic and international commercial transportation hub.
