Benefits of GPU Airport Equipment
Airplanes require power both in the air and on the ground. The economical and efficient solution? Ground power units. A ground power unit (GPU) is a vital piece of equipment that deliveries power to grounded aircraft without wasting fuel. It's an integral part of any ground support equipment (GSE) fleet. Keep reading to learn about the various benefits of ground power units and why most airports and MRO facilities simply can't function without them.
Supports Grounded Aircraft
The biggest benefit to GPU airport equipment is the ability to safely and efficiently support aircraft as they're sitting or moving around the runway. Just because an aircraft is grounded doesn't mean it doesn't require electric power. Aircraft ground power units provide electricity to various components of the aircraft once it has landed, like lights or air-conditioning for example.
Keep in mind that not all electricity is the same. An aircraft ground power unit delivers specified power (current, frequency, voltage) to an aircraft through either the use of a 3-phase electrical system or a large battery pack and gasoline, diesel or a small turbine engine.
Compatible for Most Airplanes
GPUs are some of the most critical components of a complete GSE fleet. When looking at ground power units, it's extremely important to purchase a GPU that is compatible with the various types of aircraft coming in and out of your airport or MRO facility. Thankfully, most GPUs are applicable for use on a wide variety of aircraft. A DC ground power unit (12 or 24V system) is used for general aircraft, smaller jets and turboprop airplanes. An AC electrical system, on the other hand, runs in the 400 Hz band and is typically used for commercial airlines and larger business jets.
Acts As A Helpful Training Aid
GPU airport equipment allows aircraft systems to be used without actually depleting the battery. This provides new pilots with a low-pressure environment in which they can learn, practice and completely understand all of the aircraft's controls and instruments. Students simply learn better when actually sitting in the cockpit, so they can develop muscle memory. Training in the aircraft allows them to become more competent with in-flight procedures and fine-tune their flying as opposed to learning from a book or a simulation. This ensures new pilots are fully comfortable with an aircraft before they actually take flight.
Reduces Emissions and Noise Pollution
Auxiliary power units (built-in power structures within an aircraft) are inefficient and can generate high emission levels and loud noises. All-electric GPU aircraft equipment, on the other hand, doesn't give off any emissions and is practically silent, making verbal communication between technicians and operators much easier. Aircraft electrical equipment is becoming more and more popular due to its ability to reduce fuel costs, dangerous emissions and noise pollution around the airport while airplanes are being transported or simply circling the runway.
Simplifies Pushback Operations
Ground power units, when used in tandem with an aircraft tug, can dramatically simplify the logistics of pushback operations. This allows the aircraft to have full electrical power during towing instead of just battery power. This is key because when an operator has to rely on battery power alone, they have a finite amount of brake applications. In addition to this, radios often draw quite a bit of power and thus, their effective range is significantly reduced when having to rely on battery power alone.
Power Up Your Fleet with the Help of Tronair
Whether you're looking to increase efficiency or simply replace outdated equipment, the team at Tronair can help. We offer a diverse selection of reliable and durable ground handling equipment, GPU aircraft equipment and much more. Let us help create a custom ground support solution for your aircraft and hangar needs today to power your team into the future. Have a question or need additional information regarding any of our popular product lines? Reach out today. Our customer service team is here for you.
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