Types of Ground Power Units for Aircraft

Ground power units for aircraft supply power to airplanes while parked on the runway or in the hangar and are crucial workhorses for any hangar.

Each aircraft GPU (ground power unit) delivers specified power through the use of a standard electrical system, battery pack and gasoline, diesel or small turbine engine. GPUs have helped to make ground support equipment smaller and increasingly more efficient over the years.

But what types of GPUs are available on the market, and how do they function? We’re walking you through a few things you should know before purchasing your new ground power unit for aircraft.

Direct Vs. Alternating Current Systems

It is essential that the GPU you purchase is compatible (in terms of power) with your type of aircraft.

A direct current (DC) system is similar to that of a car. Typically a 12 or 24V system, a DC ground power unit is used for general aircraft, smaller jets and turboprop airplanes. An alternating current (AC) system is more akin to the type of electricity that runs homes and buildings. The AC electrical system runs in the 400 Hz band and is necessary for larger business jets and commercial airliners.

Internal Combustion Vs. Electrical Rectifier

GPUs can be powered by internal combustion engines or all-electrical frequency converters (a converter that transforms standard electrical power to AC or DC). The deciding factor rests with what you’re looking to get out of your GPU.

A gas-powered ground power unit is extremely portable; however, you will have to provide fuel and engine maintenance. Solid state rectifiers or electrical ground power unit models, on the other hand, are much quieter than internal combustion units, producing less pollution overall.

Mistakes To Avoid When Purchasing A GPU

When purchasing a new ground power unit for your aircraft, there are a few all-too-common mistakes that you should avoid. It can be enticing to save money by opting for a used or lower-priced GPU, but understand that there’s a reason for that price and you’ll most likely wind up losing any cost savings thanks to constant repairs and/or replacements. Ground power units are designed to last for decades with proper care, thus purchasing a high-quality model will save you unnecessary costs in the long run.

Opting For A Used Model

While it may be tempting to opt for a lower-priced used GPU, this could ultimately be a costly mistake. Used or refurbished ground power units for aircraft may seem like a good idea, but due to inefficiencies and repairs, you could wind up paying more than you initially would have if you had purchased a new GPU to begin with.

Ground power units require routine maintenance, which equates to occasionally sending them off to a reputable repair facility. This can often cost a pretty penny if your used model winds up having underlying problems — an issue you won’t encounter if you go with a new model.

Over-Purchasing Or Under-Purchasing

Over-purchasing or under-purchasing your GPU can also be an incredibly expensive mistake. If you purchase a unit for a large aircraft when you only need one for a small to medium-sized aircraft, you are over-purchasing and underutilizing, and thus, wasting money. If you purchase a GPU that isn’t adequate for the larger aircraft you work with, you’ll wind up not using it at all, another waste of money.

Get the Power You Need with the Help of Tronair

Browse our selection of hydraulic power units, aircraft GPU models and more! At Tronair, we offer a diverse and unparalleled range of high-quality ground support equipment product lines. Let us help you find the best equipment for your aircraft and hangar needs. Have a question or need more information? Feel free to reach out to our customer service team — we’re happy to help!

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