Airport AC and DC GPUs, 400Hz Convertors, Electrical Support Systems and Power Supplies #1

How many of you out there know that Powervamp is the only major manufacturer of aviation frequency converters in Britain today? The company also create a range of other innovative ground power products for the industry, including the large battery cart the Coolspool, right here in the UK.

Powervamp supply aircraft operators in more than 60 countries around the world with our fixed and portable AC and DC Ground Power Units (GPUs) and specialised electrical systems. Powervamp is proud to be flying the British flag in the aviation industry, and to be the only manufacturers of many of these pioneering ground power products.

A relatively modern business, the company started in 1993 when the creation of eco-friendly ground power systems for airports was starting to become reality. It’s only been the last 15 years that the trend toward switching from diesel to electric GPUs has accelerated, as environmental controls and regulations on the operation of diesel engines and the rising cost of diesel fuel have increased.

Replacing diesel with electric units provides reduced carbon, nitrogen and particulate matter emissions, operating advantages such as reduced fuel and maintenance costs, quieter operational noise, and reduced clutter on the airfield. And as a result the demand for electric ground power supply across the world has increased.

Powervamp’s Coolspool carts are currently in use in UK, Africa, Iceland, USA, South America, Japan and New Zealand. And it’s this demand that’s been the catalyst behind Powervamp’s pioneering research to develop the best electrical ground power units on the market today – pioneering research that we and this country can be proud of.

Powervamp’s Coolspool range offers a higher than average 28 volts, (as opposed to the more common 24 volts), highlighting the increasing demand for a more powerful and faster engine starting resulting in more efficient starting. The Coolspool offers faster performance, with more air passing through the turbine for a cooler start (hence the name). They are increasingly in demand for additional operations such as pre-flight checks, avionics programming, crew training etc., and in all areas that lack mains electrical access or have noise curfews.

With a constantly evolving product range to satisfy customer demand, comes a constantly evolving testing strategy to ensure the success of those new products hitting the market, as Richard Roller, Joint Managing Director of Powervamp explains:

“We have, in pioneering these units, had to find out the issues that arose, understand the reasons and devise solutions that took account of existing, deeply ingrained ramp practices. Introducing this type of product required a holistic approach by us to cater for airline cultures, ramp staff, schedules…Airlines don’t always realise this.”

Rigorous testing of the Coolspool has been taking place in New Zealand – where Powervamp has recently joined forces with Aeromasters NZ to form company Aeromasters-Powervamp Ltd.

Choosing New Zealand to trial the new Coolspool 410 is testament to the company’s commitment to the robustness of its products. With wind chill factors of -2 degrees, salt air from Cook Straight, cyclones, power outages and earthquakes – Wellington Airport is the ultimate testing ground for ground power equipment. To give an example as to the severity of the conditions, the trials have seen Powervamp’s equipment live through two cyclones with enough velocity to snap power poles off at ground level.

Such testing has enabled the Powervamp team to carry out on-site modifications and enhancements, ensuring the resilience of the equipment in all conditions.

Powervamp continue to produce some of the world’s most innovative and practical ground power equipment in the Britain, and in doing so, continue to proudly champion the British aviation industry.