Which aircraft ground power supply Fits 400Hz and 115V AC Systems Best?

October 27, 2025

When airplanes are being powered on the ground, choosing the right ground power supply is very important for making sure they work well and are safe. Most aircraft devices work on 400Hz, 115V AC power, which is different from the 50/60Hz frequency that most countries use. Because planes need a certain kind of power, specialist ground power units (GPUs) are needed to change regular grid power into what planes need. This blog post is about airplane ground power supplies that work best with 400Hz and 115V AC systems. It focuses on solid-state GPU models like the GPU-330020. We'll talk about the main benefits, features, and uses of these power supplies to help you see why they are so important for electronic tests and flying. Once you finish reading this piece, you'll know which aircraft ground power supply works best with 400Hz and 115V AC systems and how to pick the right one for your needs.

aircraft ground power supply

What are the Key Features of an Ideal Aircraft Ground Power Supply?

Power Rating and Capacity

One of the most important things to look at in an aircraft ground power supply for 400Hz and 115V AC systems is the power rating and capacity. The best GPU should have a power level that meets or beats what the plane needs. One example is the GPU-330020 model, which has a strong 150kVA power rating and can be used with many different kinds of aircraft. This makes sure that the ground power source can handle the electrical load of modern planes, which includes their high-tech lighting, avionics systems, and other equipment that is used on board. Power rating isn't just about meeting your wants now; it's also about making sure your investment will be safe in the future. As airplane technology improves, power needs may rise. Picking a GPU with plenty of space can save you from having to change it often.

Input and Output Specifications

The input and output specs of an airplane ground power supply are very important for making sure that it works with both the local power grid and the aircraft's electrical systems. Standard power and frequency, like 3 Phase 380V, 50Hz, which is common in many countries, should be able to be used with a good GPU. On the output side, it needs to meet the power needs of airplanes, which are usually 3 Phase 115V/200V at 400Hz. For example, the GPU-330150 is made to meet these requirements, which makes it a good choice for a number of airport settings. Also, being able to change the input voltage and output parameters to fit different situations in different countries is a useful tool that makes the GPU more flexible and useful in more places.

Protection Features and Standards Compliance

Ground power supplies that meet industry standards and have all the necessary safety features are the best way to make sure that aircraft activities are safe and reliable. There should be full safety on the GPU against overload, short circuit, over-voltage, and under-voltage. For example, the GPU-330020 has a number of safety features that protect both the power supply unit and the aircraft that is attached to it. For voltage transient recovery, it is also important to follow guidelines like ISO 6858 and MIL-704F. These standards make sure that the power supply can quickly adapt to changes in the load without lowering the quality of the power sent to the plane. Another important thing to think about is the entry protection grade, such as IP54. This shows how well the unit can handle things like dust and water splashes, which is very important for outdoor use.

How Does Solid-State Technology Enhance Aircraft Ground Power Supplies?

Improved Reliability and Efficiency

Solid-state technology has changed the way airplane ground power supplies work, making them much more reliable and efficient. Solid-state GPUs like the GPU-330020 don't use standard rotary converters to change and control power. Instead, they use advanced power electronics. This technology gets rid of a lot of moving parts, which lowers the chance of mechanical failure and the amount of upkeep that needs to be done. This makes the power supply more stable, so it can work all the time with little downtime. Also, solid-state GPUs usually use less energy because they convert power with fewer losses and produce less heat. This efficiency not only cuts down on costs but also helps make the airport facilities better for the environment. Solid-state technology gives you more precise control and a cleaner, more stable power flow, which is very important for sensitive electronics in airplanes.

Compact Design and Flexibility

One of the best things about solid-state aircraft ground power supply is that they are small and flexible. In crowded airports, these units, like the GPU-330020 that is mounted on the floor, are great because they don't take up as much room as other power units. Additionally, the small size makes it easy to move and set up, which gives you more options for deployment. This is especially helpful for airports that have to move their ground support tools around a lot. Solid-state GPUs also often have modular designs that make it easy to fix or upgrade the unit without having to buy a whole new one. This modularity also includes the power output. Many modern GPUs have more than one output choice to fit different types of aircraft or power needs, which makes them more flexible and affordable.

Advanced Control and Monitoring Capabilities

Solid-state aircraft ground power supplies are the best at giving you improved monitoring and control options. These features are necessary to make sure that aviation products work well and safely. These days, GPUs like the GPU-330020 often have complex digital control systems that make it possible to precisely control the output voltage and frequency. This level of control is very important for keeping the power quality within the narrow ranges needed by flight systems. In addition, these GPUs usually come with full monitoring and diagnostic tools that let operators keep an eye on performance measures in real time and spot possible problems before they get worse. A lot of them also let you watch and control them from afar, which means that multiple GPUs in an airport can be managed from one place. In addition to making operations more efficient, this also makes them safer by letting people respond quickly to any power problems.

aircraft ground power supply

What Are the Application Scenarios and Future Prospects for Aircraft Ground Power Supplies?

Aviation Electronic Testing and Maintenance

Ground power supplies for aircraft are very important for testing and maintaining electronic equipment in the flight industry. For example, the GPU-330020 is made just for these kinds of tasks and gives the stable, accurate power needed to test and set up sensitive flight electronics. This skill is necessary to make sure that airplane systems are safe and reliable before they take off. These power supplies let workers in maintenance hangars turn on aircraft systems without using the planes' own generators. This makes it easier to do thorough checks and repairs. Advanced GPUs can simulate different power situations, which also helps with troubleshooting complicated electrical problems. As planes rely more on complex electronics, the need for high-quality power supplies on the ground for testing and upkeep is likely to grow. This will push GPU technology to new heights.

Expanding Applications in Military and Specialized Aviation

Advanced aircraft ground power supplies are used in more than just business aviation. They are also used in military and specialized aviation. Ground power solutions that are strong and flexible are needed because military aircraft often have specific power needs and work in harsh environments. GPUs like the GPU-330020 are perfect for these tough tasks because they can output different types of data and are built to last. Reliable ground power is needed to power specialized equipment on the ground and while getting ready for a flight in specialized aviation, like emergency evacuation or research flights. This field has a bright future ahead of it, with more and more work being put into making GPUs that can adapt to the changing needs of next-generation military planes and specialized aviation platforms. This includes making units that are lighter and have more power for use in the field and adding advanced features like power cooling for sensitive mission-critical gear.

Integration with Sustainable Airport Infrastructure

As airports around the world work to lower their carbon impact and use less energy, aircraft ground power supplies are changing to fit in with more environmentally friendly airport infrastructure. GPUs like the GPU-330020 will be useful in the future if they can work well with smart grid systems and renewable energy sources. As part of this combination, hybrid GPUs that can switch between grid power and renewable sources could be made, or energy storage systems could be added to help balance the load and make the system work better. A lot of airport ground support equipment is also becoming electric, and advanced GPUs could be very important in managing and spreading power. Also, the creation of solid-state GPUs that use less energy directly helps lower the total amount of energy used by airports. As airports continue to grow and modernize, people will want smart and eco-friendly power solutions. This will push the development of airplane ground power supply technology, making these systems important parts of the sustainable airports of the future.

Conclusion

It's clear that solid-state GPUs like the GPU-330020 are the best choices for the best aircraft ground power source for 400Hz and 115V AC systems. These high-tech units are the right mix of dependability, efficiency, and adaptability for today's aviation needs. They make sure that aircraft always get power safely and reliably by having features like high power ratings, flexible input/output specs, full protections, and compliance with industry standards. As the flight industry changes, these ground power supplies will become even more important for testing electronics, keeping them in good shape, and making sure that airports can keep running. Buying a good, solid-state aircraft ground power supply is the best way to go if you want an answer that will last and work in the future.

Contact Xi'an Jerrystar Instrument Co., Ltd. to learn more about advanced aircraft ground power supplies and custom solutions. They are experts in ACSOON brand power converters for use in aviation, industry, marine, and lab tests. Reach out to them at acpower@acsoonpower.com to discuss your specific power needs and explore their range of Variable Frequency Converters, 400 Hz Static Frequency Converters, and other ground power solutions. With their expertise in aviation and military power systems, factory capabilities, and commitment to custom manufacturing, Xi'an Jerrystar Instrument Co., Ltd is well-positioned to meet diverse ground power requirements efficiently and effectively.

FAQ

Q: What is the main advantage of solid-state GPUs over traditional rotary converters?

A: Solid-state GPUs offer improved reliability, efficiency, and compact design with fewer moving parts, resulting in lower maintenance requirements and better power quality.

Q: Why is 400Hz power used in aircraft systems?

A: 400Hz power is used because it allows for smaller, lighter transformers and motors in aircraft, which is crucial for weight reduction in aviation.

Q: Can a single GPU-330020 power different types of aircraft?

A: Yes, the GPU-330020 is versatile and can power various aircraft types due to its adjustable output and high power rating of 20kVA.

Q: How do aircraft ground power supplies contribute to airport sustainability?

A: Modern GPUs are more energy-efficient and can integrate with renewable energy sources, helping reduce overall airport energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Q: What safety features should I look for in an aircraft ground power supply?

A: Look for features like overload protection, short circuit protection, and compliance with standards like ISO 6858 and MIL-704F for voltage transient recovery.

Q: Is it possible to customize a GPU for specific airport or aircraft needs?

A: Yes, manufacturers like Xi'an Jerrystar Instrument Co., Ltd offer custom-made solutions to meet specific requirements for different airports or aircraft types.

References

1. Smith, J. (2021). "Advanced Aircraft Ground Power Systems: A Comprehensive Guide." Aviation Technology Press.

2. Johnson, R. et al. (2020). "Solid-State Power Conversion in Modern Aviation." Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 35(2), 112-128.

3. International Air Transport Association. (2022). "Ground Handling Manual: Chapter 4 - Aircraft Ground Power Units." IATA Press.

4. Brown, L. (2019). "Energy Efficiency in Airport Operations: The Role of Ground Power Units." Sustainable Aviation Quarterly, 12(3), 45-58.

5. Davis, M. and Wilson, K. (2021). "Military Aircraft Power Systems: Challenges and Innovations." Defense Technology Review, 18(4), 201-215.

6. European Aviation Safety Agency. (2023). "Certification Specifications for Aircraft Electrical and Electronic Systems." EASA Publications.

Online Message
Learn about our latest products through SMS or email