Powering Aircraft on the Ground: A Guide to Ground Power Units (GPUs) -
Welcome to the thirteenth blog post from Omega Aviation, your trusted source for high-quality, refurbished airport ground support equipment. In this post, we’ll be discussing Ground Power Units (GPUs), a vital piece of equipment for aircraft ground operations. We’ll explain what they are, how they work, and why Omega Aviation is your best choice for purchasing new and refurbished units.
What is a Ground Power Unit (GPU)?
A Ground Power Unit (GPU) is an essential piece of equipment used at airports to supply electrical power to aircraft when they are on the ground. Aircraft rely on external power while parked to run systems like air conditioning, lighting, avionics, and communication equipment, as well as to assist with engine starts. Without a GPU, the aircraft would have to rely on its internal Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), which consumes fuel and increases operational costs.
GPUs are crucial in both large and small airport operations, servicing everything from helicopters and small planes to wide-body jets. They can be used to provide AC (Alternating Current) or DC (Direct Current) power, depending on the type of aircraft and its electrical system requirements.
Types of Ground Power Units
GPUs come in various types, each suited for different operational needs. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Engine-Driven GPUs: These units have an internal combustion engine (usually diesel) that powers the generator to provide AC or DC power. They are versatile and can be used for aircraft of all sizes.
- Battery-Powered GPUs: These units store electrical energy in batteries and are ideal for operations that need a quieter, more eco-friendly power source. Battery-powered GPUs are often used in areas where noise is a concern or in environmentally sensitive zones.
- Solid-State GPUs (Rectifiers): Also known as rectifiers, these units convert AC power from the building (hangar / jet bridge) to AC or DC power, offering a continuous and stable power supply. These are highly efficient and exceptionally reliable due to the lack of moving parts.
How GPUs Are Used at Airports
Ground Power Units serve two primary functions at airports:
1. Providing Ground Power: While aircraft are parked on the tarmac, GPUs supply the electrical power needed to run onboard systems. This eliminates the need to use the aircraft’s APU, reducing fuel costs and wear and tear on internal systems.
2. Assisting with Engine Starts: For many aircraft, GPUs are used to provide the necessary electrical power to start the aircraft engines, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation.
AC vs. DC Power in Aircraft Ground Power Units
Aircraft can require either AC or DC power while on the ground, depending on the type of aircraft. Here’s a look at the differences:
- AC Power Units: For aircraft that require AC power, GPUs will operate at 400 hertz and 115/200 Volts. These units are commonly used for larger Corporate Aircraft such as a Gulfstream V, or a narrow-body aircraft like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, as well as larger jets. At Omega Aviation, we offer AC-powered units like the ITW / Hobart 90 KVa, which is powered by a reliable Cummins engine. These units are perfect for providing power to aircraft systems or assisting with engine starts.
- DC Power Units: DC GPUs are most often used for smaller aircraft and helicopters, or for specific systems that require 28.5V DC power. These units are rated in their output DC amps, which is divided into two categories: continuous amps and peak amps. Continuous amps are the steady power the unit can provide, while peak amps represent the maximum power output for short bursts, typically during engine starts. Omega Aviation offers several high-quality DC rectifiers such as the Hobart 400 and Hobart 600, which are widely used in the industry.
Our Ground Power Unit Offerings
At Omega Aviation, we carry a wide range of new and refurbished ground power units to meet the specific needs of your aircraft and operations. Some of the units we offer include:
- ITW / Hobart 90 KVa: A robust engine-driven GPU often times equipped with a Cummins diesel engine, providing reliable AC power for mid-size to larger aircraft.
- Hobart 400 and Hobart 600 DC Rectifiers: These 28.5V DC units offer continuous and peak amp ratings, ensuring a steady power supply for aircraft systems and engine starts.
- Foxcart Rectifiers: These units have stood the test of time, and are a common choice for small aircraft operators.
- TLD Units: TLD offers several high-quality, engine-driven GPUs that are perfect for servicing both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft.
No matter the size of your operation, Omega Aviation has the right GPU to ensure your aircraft are fully powered and ready to go.
Why Choose Omega Aviation for Your Ground Power Unit Needs?
At Omega Aviation, we take pride in being a trusted supplier of refurbished ground support equipment, including Ground Power Units. Our GPUs are thoroughly inspected, refurbished, and tested to ensure they meet industry standards and are ready to work from day one.
We understand the critical role GPUs play in ground operations, and that’s why we offer a wide selection of units to fit all types of aircraft, from small planes to large jets. With Omega Aviation, you can count on reliable equipment, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service.
Conclusion
Ground Power Units are essential for maintaining efficient aircraft operations on the ground, whether for powering systems or assisting with engine starts. At Omega Aviation, we offer a diverse range of new and refurbished GPUs, tailored to meet the needs of every aircraft type. Our commitment to quality and performance ensures that your ground support equipment is ready to perform on day one.
Trust Omega Aviation to provide the reliable, high-quality equipment you need to keep your operations running smoothly.