Integrated PCA-GPU Ground Support Equipment to Reduce Tarmac Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground support equipment for aircraft, such as preconditioned air (PCA) and ground power units (GPUs), are bulky, require separate power sources, and are not optimized for different aircraft types, leading to inefficiencies and increased space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A combined ground support equipment integrating a PCA unit and GPU, with a single input stage for power and a compact design that includes a transformer and inverter circuit, optimized for narrow body aircraft, reducing size and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate PCA unit and GPU are used, then each unit can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall space requirement increases and installation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the PCA unit and GPU into a single integrated ground support equipment unit. The housing contains both the air conditioning components and the power conversion components (rectifier, inverter, transformer) in a unified structure, eliminating the need for separate equipment placements and reducing overall space requirements on the tarmac.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides conditioned air to the aircraft cabin through the PCA system while also providing electrical power through the GPU system. The single equipment unit performs what previously required two separate pieces of equipment, optimizing space and simplifying installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate PCA unit and GPU are used, then each unit operates independently, but the installation process becomes more complex requiring separate power panels and cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power input systems of both the PCA unit and GPU into a single common power input stage. This unified power input receives power through a single cable connection and distributes it to both the air conditioning system and the inverter system, eliminating the need for separate power panels and multiple cable connections at the terminal building.
3Adaptability or versatility
If GPU is designed for worst-case scenario with maximum power, then it can serve wide body aircraft, but the size and cost of the GPU increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a controllable inverter system that can dynamically adjust its power output characteristics. The inverter can operate at different power levels depending on the specific aircraft requirements, allowing the system to scale from narrow-body to wide-body aircraft power needs without requiring a permanently oversized GPU design.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter system can change its operating parameters including output power level, voltage, and frequency to match different aircraft requirements. This parameter adjustability allows a single GPU design to serve multiple aircraft types with different power requirements, eliminating the need for worst-case scenario sizing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated equipment reduces space requirements, simplifies installation, and optimizes power and air conditioning for different aircraft types, while maintaining flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the GPU comprises an inverter circuit for transforming the DC voltage to a pre-determined output AC voltage for powering the aircraft
Implementation Method 2
the input stage comprises a transformer configured to transform an AC voltage power source to a pre-determined voltage level
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a ground support equipment for servicing an aircraft on the ground. The ground support equipment comprises a pre-conditioned air. PCA, unit configured to provide pre-conditioned air to an aircraft on the ground. The ground support equipment also comprises a ground power unit. GPU, configured to provide power to the aircraft on the ground. The ground support equipment also comprises an input stage connectable to a power source and configured to provide a DC voltage. The input stage is operatively connected to the PCA unit and the GPU, and the GPU comprises an inverter circuit for transforming the DC voltage to a pre-determined output AC voltage for powering the aircraft.