What is an Aircraft Ground Power Unit?

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A Ground Power Unit (GPU) is equipment used at airports to supply electrical power to an aircraft while it is on the ground, so the aircraft does not need to run its engines or onboard auxiliary power unit (APU). In simple terms, it's an external power source that keeps the aircraft powered when parked.

What does a Ground Power Unit do?

When an aircraft is on the apron or at the gate, it still needs electricity for:

Cockpit instruments and avionics
Cabin lighting and air-conditioning support systems
Onboard computers and maintenance checks
Passenger boarding and servicing
Instead of burning jet fuel to generate this power, the GPU provides it more efficiently, quietly, and with lower emissions.

Why are GPUs important?

Reduce fuel consumption
Lower CO₂ and noise emissions
Cut operating costs
Extend APU and engine life
Support sustainable airport operations

What are the Latest Development Trends of Ground Power Units (GPU)

A significant proportion of airlines and major airports are actively taking steps toward energy efficiency and carbon reduction in ground operations, aligning with global decarbonization goals as well as national and regional emission reduction targets. Airports are replacing onboard APUs with efficient Ground Power Units, taking a major step toward reducing fuel burn, emissions, and noise on the apron. GPU electrification is only the starting point of the transformation. What's next?

Green and Low-Carbon Energy Supply

Airports are using more renewable energy like solar, wind, and geothermal. In the future, they’ll develop more local solutions to cut fossil fuel use and keep energy clean and low-carbon.

Integration of Intelligence and Digitalization

By combining smart control systems with energy management, airports can better manage how green energy is generated, stored, shared, and used. This boosts efficiency, cuts carbon, and supports cleaner, smoother operations.

Coordinated Industrial Development

Building green airports also brings industries together — from renewable energy to smart tech. It creates a full green supply chain, helping both the airport and the local economy grow sustainably.

AEME GSE's Innovations for GPUs

AEME GSE has continuously advanced Aircraft Ground Power Unit (GPU) technology. With over 20 years of expertise in power electronics and extensive experience in the aviation sector, we are committed to the vision of green airport development and continuously enhancing the performance and reliability of our GPU solutions.

By transitioning to low-carbon energy sources, leveraging smart digital technologies, and fostering close industry collaboration, AEME GSE has developed a comprehensive GPU product portfolio, including battery-powered GPUs and state-of-the-art solid-state power converters.

Today, AEME GSE GPUs are deployed at over 60% of airports across the Asia-Pacific region, serving as strong proof of the quality, reliability, and performance of our products.

AEME GSE ECOTUG 180 Mobile Battery Ground Power Unit, Airbus A330neo

AEME GSE Ground Power Unit Milestones

2016: Launched the solar-storage + Aircraft Ground Power Unit solution, achieving zero carbon emissions at the apron.
2017: Introduced the mobile energy storage Aircraft Ground Power Unit, supporting APU shutdown at parking stands without fixed electrical infrastructure.
2018: Released the energy internet-based GPU, enabling AC/DC networking, islanded operation, and reliable aircraft power supply.
2019: Developed the LVRTech(low-voltage ride-through)-powered Aircraft Ground Power Unit, greatly improving power reliability during grid voltage sags. Video
2020: Developed the Smart Green Apron Microgrid Energy Management System, integrating photovoltaic, energy storage, and other distributed energy resources, enabling dynamic balance of generation, grid, load, and storage, reducing carbon emissions and energy costs.
2021: Launched the ZVRTech(zero-voltage ride-through)-powered GPU, ensuring uninterrupted aircraft power supply during grid interruptions.
2022: Released the all-electric vehicle-mounted GPU, with zero emissions replacing fuel-powered units, integrating 400Hz AC and 28V DC power, serving as a key solution for airports transitioning from fuel to electric power and advancing smart operations.

EcoTug 90 Battery Ground Power Unit(L) S400 Solid-State Ground Power Unit(M) S400-A Solid-State Ground Power Unit(R)

Core Technology Advantages of AEME Ground Power Units

AC/DC Microgrid Self-Networking Technology

Improves grid capacity utilization and reduces power demand; enables flexible integration of renewable generation; allows shared use of energy storage capacity; supports parallel operation of multiple units, extending mobile power supply endurance.

Low Voltage Ride-Through / Zero Voltage Ride-Through Technology

Ensures 100% uninterrupted aircraft power supply during grid voltage sags or interruptions.

Electromechanical Integrated Control Technology

Innovatively applies slip ring technology to develop both fixed and mobile cable reels, significantly reducing operator workload and extending cable lifespan from 1–2 years to 5 years.

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