ITW GSE displayed two ground power units at inter aiport Europe in Munich last week, offering both a battery- and gasoline-powered option for customers.
The battery-powered 7400 GPU was designed for gates without fixed 400 Hz. The unit is not dependent on diesel (or other fuels) or electricity at input, allowing it to be used at gates where airlines use their own equipment, at remote parking hangars or in hangars.
The unit is powered by Nissan Leaf battery packs, and the unit can be equipped with the number of batteries needed to suit actual power requirements. An on-board charger, allows recharging from the nearest 50/60 Hz socket.
Following field testing this coming spring, production is expected to begin in August 2018.
ITW GSE's 5400 gasoline-powered, 400 Hz unit provides clean output voltage, while providing a low content of NOx. The company explained the 5400 runs at variable speeds, reducing noise and minimizing wear and tear.
Narrow body aircraft consume around 20kW during turnarounds. Under those conditions, the 4500 gasoline engine can sustain the load running at a very load speed, ITW GSE officials said. At higher aircraft loads, the engine speed adapts to the required power. A super capacitor enery reservoir allows the gasoline engine to handle heavy load jumps without jeopardizing the output voltage or frequency.
