400 Hz GPU 3

[alanElec]

I am electrical engineer working in an electromechanical contracting company.While analysing a recent tender for refurbishment works for a hangar, i found the equipment 400 hz ground power unit.

1.Can anyone enlighten me on the purpose of this equipment?
2.Is it a generator?
3.Please provide any web articles links if available

Regards,

Alan

 

[berkshire]

Here you go,

http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/electronics/q0219.shtml

B.E.

 

[IRstuff]

GPUs provide ground power to aircraft when engines are not running. Hobart is probably one of the most recognizable names for military aviation:

http://www.hobartgroundpower.com/

The typical GPU is a self-powered, self-driven generation system, but there are wall-powered devices that are essentially manually rollable carts with a power converter.

TTFN
faq731-376

Need help writing a question or understanding a reply? forum1529

 

[IRstuff]

Oh, I just remembered why your nomenclature sounded a little different. GPUs are sometimes called auxiliary power units (APUs).

TTFN
faq731-376

Need help writing a question or understanding a reply? forum1529

 

[alanElec]

What about static and rotary unit?Which one is used commonly these days and which one has higher cost?

 

[IRstuff]

??static?? ??rotary??

What do you mean?

TTFN
faq731-376

Need help writing a question or understanding a reply? forum1529

 

[berkshire]

I think he refering to a transistorized inverter, as opposed to a motor/ generator type.
B.E.

 

[Sparweb]

IRStuff ...GPUs are sometimes called auxiliary power units (APUs)...

Depends on what they are bolted to! While a GPU is bolted on top of a wheeled cart, an APU is usually bolted to the inside of the airplane.
I wouldn't mix up the terms.
Alansam is most concerned with the support equipment at the hangar, so this is probably a GPU cart, for powering aircraft parked on the ramp.



STF

 

[IRstuff]

Most of the guys I worked with, ex-military, referred to things on carts as APUs, so you'll have to discuss that with them ;-)


TTFN
faq731-376

Need help writing a question or understanding a reply? forum1529

 

[alanElec]

Yeah guys I was referring to a gpu thats used to power the aircraft in a hangar or when on ground.

 

[debodine]

SparWeb and IRStuff, I agree with you...in the USAF from 1973-1978 we called them "APU" for auxillary power unit. I never hear the term GPU for ground power unit until I was in civilian clothes working aircraft. But because some people thought the "A" stood for aircraft, it was sometimes a source of confusion even in the military with non-maintenance types. So I think the civilian world has it right here...GPU it has been for me since I hung up the uniform.

 

[PHovnanian]

Alansam, is what you came across a ground power cart? Or a fixed 400 Hz system? Some hangars and most commercial airports are equipped with fixed systems, with M-G sets (or inverters), distribution panels, feeders, etc.

Because you are reburbing the hangar, the presence of a fixed system might affect your engineering and bid.

 

[alanElec]

Yes phovnanian this is a fixed unit,namely axa 2200 series.The boq also shows a 28 v dc unit and this is a movable one.Any where this equipment is connected to?

 

[berkshire]

28 volt dc units are very often battery carts, taken over to the aircraft, then after use ,returned to a wall charger for topping up.
B.E.

 

[IRstuff]

You had this information all along and felt that it was unimportant to the question at hand?

TTFN
faq731-376

Need help writing a question or understanding a reply? forum1529

 

[PHovnanian]

The boq also shows a 28 v dc unit and this is a movable one.Any where this equipment is connected to?

Don't know. For normal operations, a 747 only requires external 400 Hz 3 phase power.

This 28 Vdc cart is probably for some maintenance procedure. As such, the details of its connection would be specific to that procedure.

 

[FranAle]

Hi Alansam:
check

http://www.hobartgpu.com/Hobart PDF files/GPU 400.600 309 AGE.pdf

We have on our facility floor some GPU 400 series units. These type of carts may be plugged onto electrical net of hangars or general standard aviation facilities.
You avoid issues about batteries and provide stable 28 VDC to aircraft for ground test and maintenance checks.

FranAle