56 ASU & GPU
exists. What’s happening is that some old- fashioned converter designs are using six pulse technology for electrical conversion. The use of six pulse technology (for the frequency converter) re-injects a lot of harmonics perturbation into the 50/60Hz electrical main network. As a consequence, this type of converter consumes more electrical power and heats up the copper cables which could swell and which could interact with other electrical equipment linked into the same network, such as computers, and damage them. That’s why Guinault decided to use only 12 pulse technology in its electrical conversion technology in order to reduce this electrical pollution. The use of 12 pulse technology is, as a consequence, also of interest in terms of return on investment.” He admits that diesel equipment will not totally disappear from the ramp, though. “For places where electrical equipment cannot be employed, the use of a green engine is possible. Unfortunately, 400Hz technology doesn’t permit the selection of engine rpm that we would like. Only a few speeds are possible, namely 2182, 2000, 1846, 1714, 1500 and 1200 rpm. Tier III and Tier IV engines available in the market are based on a genset engine (50Hz/60HZ), where selected speeds are 1500rpm (50Hz) or 1800rpm (60Hz). As a consequence, in order to use this Tier III engine, different GPU suppliers have decided to decrease the GPU’s rpm to 1500rpm, which is the only common rpm between the two applications. But, aeronautic technologies (400Hz) are more restrictive than 50/60Hz. In terms of transient response times, ISO 6858 norm is really strict. The lower the rpm, the longer the transient response time is, and higher the risk of engine performance decreasing. Vibration levels also increase at lower speed. “In order to continue the use of our 1714rpm technology, which we feel gives the best compromise between performance, vibration and fuel consumption, we decided to introduce a common Tier III qualification with Deutz, the manufacturer of the GPU engines used. The possibility of using 1714 rpm is maintained for the benefit of our customers.” François stresses that the Total Cost of Ownership of equipment continues to be the most important point for the customer. “Fuel consumption is a key consideration, but not the only one. Maintenance time and reliability are important points, but these need time to be measured. The economic crisis hasn’t helped GSE suppliers in terms of profit and visibility. But it’s also an opportunity to take new decisions and find possible new partnerships in order to guarantee the future. Green technology is an example: we think a major reason for going electric lies in the maintenance, as an electric motor (or the electronics for a frequency converter) is
GROUND HANDLING INTERNATIONAL APRIL 2013
to all electrical components. Corrosion resistance is another important
Low profile application from Guinault nearly maintenance free.”
Another company that is headquartered in France is TLD: it has released a new line of compact ground power units, ranging from 60 to 180 kVA. Following on the heels of its highly successful predecessor, the new GPU-400 series provides large features in a very small package. Maintaining all of the advantages and performance of the previous generation, TLD has reduced the height by 15% and the length by an astonishing 30%, vastly improving the manoeuvrability on today’s congested tarmac, whilst adding many new features to benefit the user. Many features formerly considered as options are now standard items in TLD’s new GPU. Fork-lift pockets and tie down rings are smartly built into the frame to enable the unit to be safely transported. Cable plug holders promote proper stowage of the cables and optional protective interlock systems are available to prevent the GPU being towed away from the aircraft without the cable plugs being stowed. The two side cable bins incorporate
chrome rollers on the edges to facilitate dispensing the cables to the aircraft, making the operator’s job easier. In addition, the GPU includes a simple and maintenance- free, towbar-actuated parking brake, a safe towbar that never hits the ground, an externally-mounted, lockable battery switch and lockable door panels. Tier IVi engines meet US regulations while Euro Stage IIIa is offered for the rest of the world. The heart of the unit is TLD’s second generation GCM (or generator control module) that provides a high level of automation, making the unit very simple to use. A single button to start the unit and another to select the desired cable is the only user interface required to start and load the GPU. This kind of functional automation is key to an efficient ground handling operation. As with all TLD products, maintenance accessibility lies at the forefront of the design. Although ultra-compact, it is truly a maintenance-friendly unit, with all serviceable items being positioned within arm’s reach. More specifically, the entire front nose hinges completely down with the click of two latches, providing full access to the cooling and exhaust systems. Four large side doors, without any centre post, permit complete access to the engine and generator. The rear- mounted electrical box provides easy access
feature of the design. The chassis, integral cable bins and high-usage items like the towbar and brakes are made of heavy duty galvanised steel, while the recessed canopy above is made of durable fibreglass and powder-coated aluminium panels. The result is a product that will last in the harshest conditions, longer than ever. For improved efficiency, an oversized radiator is used, which requires less airflow for a given cooling requirement. This reduces parasitic loads on the engine and results in reduced fuel consumption and sound levels, providing years of savings for the airline, ground handler or leasing company. This new compact GPU is yet another example of TLD utilising its technical expertise to develop a machine that yields high performance yet contains a minimum number of components. TLD is convinced that a low part count is vital to today’s GSE operator, as it directly correlates to reduced training, lower maintenance costs, higher equipment utilisation and ultimately the end user’s bottom line. TLD continues to reshape the world of GSE, using technological advances to bring high quality products to market that are easy to operate and maintain, and which are supported by an industry-leading global parts and service network.
Scandinavian situation
For Axa Power, 2012 started quite slowly, but around June, the situation changed, and the company ended up being at the same, all-time high level as the previous year. Vice President, International Sales & Marketing of AXA Power, Poul Elvstroem, says that this was a big achievement for the whole team. “Altogether, we sold more than 1,000 units in a mixture of 400Hz and 28 VDC power supplies and AXA Power pre- conditioned air units. Many units were delivered to major airport projects in the UK, Russia, France and Dubai, as well as Doha airport. At this stage, we may mention the extraordinary demand for 28 VDC units, meaning that the actual sales were the double of our forecast. “During 2012, we installed many PCA units at airports around the world, including Melbourne, Australia, in Bodrum, Turkey, in London Heathrow, in Venice and Milan as well as in Prague. Many of the same airports also bought and installed AXA 400Hz units as part of the solution, so it seems as if the Go Green on Ground concept has started kicking in. By letting external 400Hz solid- state power units and pre-conditioned air units take over the duties of the onboard aircraft APU while the aircraft is parked at the gate, the airports take a step toward a greener environment.
“This configuration significantly improves
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