Ground Power Units: The Energy Source Making a Difference on the Ground

The next generation is battery-powered

Ground Power Units: The Energy Source Making a Difference on the Ground
When an aircraft is on the ground, the work has only just begun

An aircraft is parked at the gate. Its engines are switched off – but numerous systems on board still require a reliable supply of electrical power. Avionics, communications, lighting, air conditioning and other electrical systems all need energy throughout ground operations.

This is where Ground Power Units (GPUs) play a crucial role.

By supplying an aircraft with external electrical power, GPUs enable operators to keep the aircraft’s Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) switched off for longer periods. This can help reduce fuel consumption, local emissions, noise and APU operating hours.

Ground power is therefore becoming an increasingly important element of efficient and sustainable ground operations.

From power supply to strategic ground infrastructure

The requirements for ground power have changed significantly. Airports, airlines, MRO organisations and ground handlers do not simply need a source of electricity.

They need solutions that are reliable, powerful, flexible and efficient – and capable of meeting the requirements of different aircraft and operational environments.

RECK SOLAR & ELME Elektromechanik addresses these requirements with a comprehensive portfolio of ground power solutions, ranging from compact battery-powered systems to high-performance DC and AC ground power units.

High power when it matters most

One example is the APU 800 E, providing up to 800 A continuous current and 2,400 A peak current. The system is designed for applications where substantial power reserves are essential.

Another solution is the GPU 400/1600, offering high-performance DC ground power and currently available from stock. For operators, MRO organisations and ground-handling companies, rapid availability can be a decisive advantage when additional capacity is required or existing equipment needs to be replaced.

400 Hz for modern aviation

Alongside its DC ground power solutions, ELME Elektromechanik is expanding its portfolio with 400 Hz ground power systems from 60 to 115 kVA.

These systems are designed to provide reliable electrical power to aircraft during maintenance, ramp operations and gate servicing. Depending on the application, both stationary and mobile solutions are available.

The result is a versatile portfolio covering a wide range of professional aviation requirements – from mobile aircraft servicing to high-performance ground power infrastructure.

The next generation is battery-powered

One of the most significant trends in ground operations is the move towards battery-powered solutions.

With systems such as the BPU 14, ELME Elektromechanik demonstrates how battery-based ground power can provide flexible and mobile energy wherever it is needed. The compact BPU 14 is designed for applications in general aviation, helicopter operations, line service and maintenance.

The BPU 14 START-CASE combines a high-performance LiFePO4 battery with an integrated charger, providing a mobile power solution that can be deployed directly where required. Its charger supports input voltages from 100 to 240 V AC, making the system suitable for international operations.

The direction is clear: ground power is becoming more mobile, more flexible and increasingly independent of fixed infrastructure.

Less APU operation. More efficiency on the ground.

The real value of ground power, however, is not simply the amount of electrical power available.

It is the impact on the overall efficiency of ground operations.

When an aircraft can be supplied with external electrical power while parked, the use of its onboard APU can be reduced. Depending on the operation, this can contribute to lower fuel consumption, reduced local emissions and less noise on the ramp.

Across a large number of aircraft movements, even relatively short reductions in APU operating time can add up to significant operational benefits.

Ground power is therefore no longer just an aircraft accessory. It is becoming an integral part of modern, efficient and more sustainable airport and aviation infrastructure.

Made in Germany for demanding aviation applications

RECK SOLAR & ELME Elektromechanik combines decades of experience in the development and manufacture of electrical power supply systems with continuous innovation in battery-powered and electronic ground power technology.

The resulting portfolio covers a broad range of applications:

Mobile or stationary. AC or DC. Battery-powered or high-performance.

The right solution ultimately depends on the specific operational requirement.

Because on the ramp, performance is not measured by specifications alone. What matters is having reliable power available exactly when the aircraft needs it.

Ground Power as a key technology for more efficient ground operations

The future of aviation is not decided in the air alone.

It starts on the ground.

With powerful, reliable and increasingly electrified ground power technology, airports, operators and MRO organisations can create the foundation for more efficient ground operations while reducing their reliance on onboard power generation during aircraft turnaround and maintenance.

RECK SOLAR & ELME Elektromechanik develops the power solutions to make this possible.