The ITW GSE 5400 gasoline-powered GPU is the first of its kind to run at variable speed which helps reduce NOx and other emissions at the airport.
There is increasing pressure on airports to make their operations as ‘green’ as possible by lowering emissions. As a leading supplier of GPUs to the aviation industry, ITW GSE is committed to developing the cleanest, most reliable and most cost-efficient ground support equipment available. Now, they have taken the lead once more with the ITW GSE 5400—a gasoline-powered alternative to diesel-driven GPUs.
“Gasoline has an advantage over diesel as a GPU fuel, especially when it comes to meeting today’s strict limits on NOX and other emissions,” explains Søren Dahl, R&D Manager at ITW GSE. “The new ITW GSE 5400 helps reduce emissions, providing a cleaner environment for operators while helping airports achieve NOx emission targets.”
Variable speed for lower noise and fewer delays
The ITW GSE 5400 gasoline GPU is the first of its kind to run at variable speed, which reduces noise during operation, and minimizes wear and tear. Narrow body aircraft consume around
20 kW during turnarounds. Under these conditions, the ITW GSE 5400 gasoline engine can sustain the load while running at very low speed. It can also handle sudden changes in (aircraft) power requirements without jeopardizing the output voltage and frequency.
“Many other manufacturers have tried to develop a gasoline-powered GPU, but the gasoline motor usually ‘dies’ quickly when power requirements suddenly rise,” explains Dahl. “If the GPU drops out when the pilot is preparing for takeoff, the pre-takeoff routine has to be started all over again, causing potential delays.”
ITW GSE solved this problem by inserting a super capacitor energy reservoir, a well-known feature on Formula One cars. The energy reservoir supplies power to the aircraft while the engine speed is increased to a level where it can sustain the load. The solution can also be used with other fuel types, including alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas.
Ultra-pure power
A Ford motor and a Mecc Alte generator make up the well-proven gen-set on the input side of
the ITW GSE 5400. The output side features an ITW GSE 2400, 400 Hz solid-state unit. As a result, this GPU provides the same outstanding output performance as a 2400 solid-state converter. But, more importantly, it also delivers a precise and clean output voltage—thanks to ITW GSE’s patented Plug & Play voltage compensation system.
Lower total cost of ownership
Like all ITW GSE products, the ITW GSE 5400 is equipped with a common icon-based user interface that is as simple to use as a smart phone or a tablet. As a result, airport personnel who are already familiar with one ITW GSE product can easily operate another. This minimizes the risk of human error during operation and makes product training simpler. The software can be updated, and additional capabilities added, via a USB. Other ITW GSE advantages include quick service and repair, and spare part communality, which reduces stock requirements.
For ITW GSE, the 5400 GPU is just one more example of an innovative product designed to meet the needs of the aviation industry. In fact, ITW GSE has brought more innovative products to the market than any other supplier of ground support equipment and accessories.
