#Industry News
How to Prepare Your Ground Power Unit (GPU) for Winter Conditions
Avoid costly downtime with proper winterization of diesel and solid-state GPUs
Cold weather is unforgiving to Ground Power Units (GPUs). From thickening oils and waxed fuel to weakened batteries and brittle cables, each component is at greater risk of failure once temperatures drop. Preparing your GPU before winter strikes is critical to ensuring operational readiness, avoiding delays, and protecting your equipment.
In this practical guide, ElectroAir outlines the key winterization steps for both diesel-powered and solid-state 400 Hz / 28 V units, focusing on real-world conditions found at airports, MRO centers, and military installations. The recommendations cover:
- Fuel & Diesel System: Prevent wax buildup and frozen lines by switching to winter-grade diesel early and draining water separators regularly.
- Oils & Cold Starts: Use OEM-approved low-viscosity oils and inspect all coolant and intake heater systems to reduce strain during startup.
- Battery Readiness: Test batteries in advance, clean connections, and consider thermal wraps or chargers for outdoor units.
- Cable & Connector Care: Cold stiffens cable jackets and damages connectors. Choose low-temperature-rated assemblies and inspect for wear.
- Solid-State Units: Check filters, fans, humidity sensors, and internal heaters. Run a load test to ensure stability and performance in fluctuating temperatures.
- Daily Cold-Weather Practices: Conduct visual checks, warm up gradually, and log anomalies, early detection prevents costly mid-winter failures.
- Why Early Preparation Matters: Winter is not a surprise. Acting now ensures reliability, safety, and longer service life across your GPU fleet.
ElectroAir’s full article provides engineering-level insight for winter-proofing your ground power equipment, helping operations teams take proactive control before the cold sets in.
Read the full article on our website.
