Ground Power Unit
An aircraft ground power unit (GPU) is a critical type of ground support equipment that supplies electrical power to the aircraft when the engines or APU are shut down. Ground power units are typically used in the hangar or on the ramp and provide clean power for aircraft maintenance and engine starting.
Ground power units for aircraft are available in different sizes and power ratings, depending on the needs of the aircraft they are serving. At PJi, we have a wide variety of new and used aircraft ground power units for sale to power AC 400 HZ, 28V DC, and 12/14V DC systems. We also have a line of portable aircraft ground power units to help with engine starts on 12V/14V and 28V DC aircraft.
- Hangar Powered – Operate on 3-phase or single-phase input voltage.
- Diesel or Gas Engines – Mostly used on the ramp environment when no shore power is available.
- Portable Aircraft Ground Power Units – Usually portable and 12/14/28V DC to assist aircraft engines during starting.
With our knowledge and expertise in aircraft GPUs, we can support your aircraft with 12/14/28V DC and 400 HZ aircraft ground power units with these options.
With PJi, you can shop for a complete range of aircraft GPUs.
What Are APUs and GPUs?
An auxiliary power unit (APU) is a gas turbine engine of modest size that's mounted on a plane, allowing the aircraft to be powered without relying on ground support.
A ground power unit (GPU) is a portable power supply for aircraft. They both have the same basic function, which is to power an aircraft when its engines are not operational or for carrying out maintenance, cleaning, and other activities.
These are the key differences between the two:
- An aircraft APU is installed on the aircraft, while an aircraft GPU provides power when it is grounded.
- A GPU tends to be more fuel efficient than an APU, especially when they are running for long periods.
- Aircraft GPUs can also be used on multiple aircraft, which makes them more practical than an APU.
How to Use an Aircraft GPU
GPUs are a common power supply unit used in aviation to power aircraft while they're grounded. Some of the most popular applications for GPUs include:
- Pre-flight operations are made more efficient with GPUs, which can provide power to the aircraft's systems, allowing for pre-cooling of the cabin and running of avionics systems.
- Ground handling operations, like cargo loading and unloading, catering, and passenger boarding can be facilitated by GPUs.
- GPUs are an effective source of power for carrying out any maintenance operations on an aircraft, including engine and component testing, system checks, and aircraft cleaning.
- GPU-powered electrical systems enable aircraft pilots to start their engines without having to rely on the aircraft's battery power during start-up.
Types of Aircraft GPU Power Sources
Aircraft GPUs can vary based on their power sources. These power sources include:
- Fuel-Powered GPUs: These are equipped with an engine powered by either diesel or gasoline, linked to a generator supplying electrical energy. The power goes through a cable and connector and is plugged into the airplane's electricity setup. They provide a substantial amount of electricity and power to aircraft, making them suitable for bigger planes or operations that need a great deal of power.
- Solid-State GPUs: A solid-state aircraft ground power unit is an efficient GPU system that converts AC power from a utility grid into DC power to be used by an aircraft's electrical systems. This type of GPU is reliable, efficient, and cost-effective. Solid-state GPUs use semiconductor technology to directly convert Alternating Current (AC) power into Direct Current (DC) power. Solid-state GPUs are ideal for traveling or moving around airports or airfields due to their small size and weight.
- Battery-Powered GPUs: These use batteries and can be charged from an electrical outlet. They provide similar performance to traditional GPUs. They can also provide clean and silent power without any direct emissions, resulting in minimal energy wastage.
Shop our complete range of GPUs, right here at PJi.
