Analysis of the Effectiveness of Emergency Power Distribution System (Genset) and its Synchronization in Improving Operational Reliability at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

Abstract

Operational reliability at international airports critically depends on robust electrical power systems to support essential facilities, including runway lighting, air navigation equipment, passenger terminals, and baggage handling operations. Power interruptions pose significant risks that may compromise safety, disrupt flight operations, and generate substantial economic losses. However, empirical studies evaluating emergency power system performance at major Indonesian airports, particularly those focusing on generator synchronization and its impact on electrical reliability, remain limited. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of an emergency power distribution system employing synchronized generator sets to enhance electrical reliability at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport. A mixed-method research design was applied, combining field-based technical observations, Single Line Diagram analysis, SCADA operational data assessment, and structured interviews with electrical system engineers also contributes a quantitative assessment framework integrating synchronization performance, reliability metrics, and operational impact analysis, which has not been previously documented in Indonesian airport power system studies. The findings confirm that synchronized generator deployment significantly enhances operational resilience during grid outages. Future improvements are recommended through ATS modernization, N+1 modular redundancy implementation, smart monitoring dashboard integration, and alignment with SDG-7–oriented airport energy sustainability strategies. Performance evaluation was conducted using key technical indicators, including generator capacity utilization, synchronization response time, Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) switching performance, total harmonic distortion (THD), and reliability indices SAIDI and SAIFI. The results indicate that the synchronized genset system achieves an average synchronization time of 8–12 seconds, maintaining critical load continuity at 95.6%. System optimization and scheduled maintenance reduced annual power interruption duration by 35% and increased redundant system availability to 99.2%. Furthermore, IoT-based predictive monitoring demonstrates potential to reduce fault occurrences by up to 18% annually. redundancy implementation, smart monitoring dashboard integration, and alignment with SDG-7–oriented airport energy sustainability strategies.