APU and GPU

Prepared by: MJ Shorna

APU
• An auxiliary power unit (APU) is a device on a vehicle that provides energy for
functions other than propulsion. They are commonly found on large aircraft. The
APU is usually located in an un-pressurized, fire proof compartment within the
rear fuselage near the tail. The function of the engine system is to change heat
energy from the combustion chamber of fuel-air mixture into shaft or pneumatic
power. The engine can its shaft power to turn the APU generator to make ac
voltages. Its pneumatic power cam supplies the environmental control system or
start the aircraft engines. Average APU only rated to work on the ground.
• This particular system converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
• Its produce 115/200V AC current.
• The frequency of its current 400Hz.
APU
• PModern aircraft’s produce the three-phase current.
• It is used in aircraft secondary power source.
• It can be also primary source of power for ground operations/ maintenance when GPU’s are not available.
• Its run electrical system.
• If one main generator fails, the APU generator will be started to substitute the failed generator to power
the main AC BUS.
• If both main engine generators fail, the APU alone can power both main AC busses to provide enough
power to all the essential loads.
• Its helps to start main engine.
• Before starting the engine driven generator, it provides electrical power to cabin lighting, avionics and
other electrical component of aircraft.
• The engine driven generator APU provides electrical power to cabin lighting, avionics and other electrical
component of aircraft.
APU
GPU
• A Ground Power Unit (GPU) can be either a fixed or mobile unit which
can be connected to the electrical system of an aircraft while on the
ground to provide either AC or DC power. Ground power units usually
consist of a generator powered by a diesel engine but may found in
other configurations. On larger aircraft installations, a connector with
three sockets supplies external power. These sockets connect with
three pines on the aircraft fuselage.
GPU
• It is a secondary power unit.
• Its helps battery to charge also helps APU, Engine to start up.
• It can produce AC, DC both current.
• In the time of AC current, it produces average 3 phase 200V 400Hz
output current.
• In the time DC current, it produces average 28V DC 600Amps.
• The 90kVA, 120kVA and 180kVA systems can be supplied in outdoor
or indoor enclosures with all-weather protection for fixed or mounted
on a trailer for mobile applications.
GPU
Needs of multiple power supply and APU
• Mainly in aircraft have five electrical sources. Those are__
• Main or primary generator.
• APU.
• Emergency generator.
• Battery.
• GPU.
Needs of multiple power supply and APU
• In aircraft electrical systems are usually multiple voltage systems using a combination of AC
and DC buses to power various aircraft components. Somehow if there is loss of some or all
primary power generation capability than APU or other sources must manage those power
requirements and in the high-altitude RAT means Ram Air Turbine produce the power in
essential load. If there is a lose multiple power source than battery help as backup. There is
most commonly threats which is happen regularly like generator failure, bus failure,
component failure, electrical system fire. Multiple power source is capable to face with
them. Multiple power source also cables to handle critical situation like __
• If there is a loss of some or all primary power generation capability
• If there is a loss of all components and systems powered by the failed bus
• If there is a loss of an individual component
• Potential loss of aircraft should the fire become uncontrollable, loss of busses, systems or
components due to the fire or as a result of electrical isolation
Benefits of APU
• It provides backup emergency electrical power.
• Some AOP provide hydraulic power. Because most cases hydraulic pumps are electric.
• It provides bleed air for ante ice system.
• It provides pneumatic pressure.
• Its helps engine to startup.
• Its helps to cabin pressurization.
• Its helps to air conditioning.
• It is also use as a backup system in ground when GPU’s are not available.
• When the aeroplane is on the ground, it does not have to keep its engines running to supply air conditioning or lighting to
the cabin. This reduces fuel consumption and maintenance costs, since it can obtain this energy without having to keep its
main engines running.
• When the aircraft is on the ground or when maintenance work is being done, the APU allows the aircraft to operate
independently, without the need for an external source of energy or having to start up its main engines. It can thus supply
energy to the aircraft’s electrical and pneumatic systems. Hence, the airline will not be obliged to pay the airport for this
additional service, since it can obtain energy from the APU and has the possibility to choose the cheapest option. Moreover,
it should be taken into account that the option of external power supplies is not available at some small airports.
Split bus
system
Split bus system
• In normal condition, engine driven AC generator powers only each one AC bus. The busses are kept split
from each other, and two generators can never power the same bus simultaneously. This is very
important since the generator output current is not phase regulated. The split-bus system does allow
both engine-driven generators to power any given bus, but not at the same time. Generators must
remain isolated from each other to avoid damage. The GCUs and BPCU ensures proper generator
operation and power distribution.

• On all modern split bus systems, the APU can be started and operated during flight. This allows the APU
generator to provide back-up power in the event of a main generator failure. A fourth emergency
generator powered by the ram air turbine is also available if the other generators fail.

• The four AC generators are shown at the bottom of Figure with considering APU. These generators are
connected to their respective busses through the generator breakers. For example, generator 1 sends
current through GB1 to AC bus 1. AC bus 1 feeds a variety of primary electrical loads, and feeds sub-
busses that in turn power additional loads.
Split bus system
• With both generators operating and all systems normal, AC bus 1 and AC bus 2 are
kept isolated. Typically, during flight, the APB (bottom center of Figure) would be
open and the APU generator off; the emergency generator (bottom right) would
also be off and disconnected. If generator one should fail, the following happens:
• The GB 1 is opened by the GCU to disconnect the failed generator. 
• The BPCU closes BTB 1 and BTB 2. This supplies AC power to AC bus 1 from
generator 2. 
• The pilots start the APU and connect the APU generator. At that time, the BPCU
and GCUs move the appropriate BTBs to correctly configure the system so the APU
powers bus 1 and generator 2 powers bus 2. Once again, two AC generators
operate independently to power AC bus 1 and 2. 
Split-parallel bus system
Split-parallel bus system
• The main generators are driven by the main turbine engines. Each
generator is connected to its load bus through a generator control
breaker (GCB). The generator control unit closes the GCB when the
pilot calls for generator power and all systems are operating normally.
Each load bus is connected to various electrical systems and
additional sub-busses. The BTB are controlled by the BPCU and
connect each load bus to the left and right sync bus. A split systems
breaker (SSB) is used to connect the left and right sync busses and is
closed during a normal flight. With the SSB, GCBs, and BTBs, in the
closed position the generators operate in parallel. When operating in
parallel, all generators must be in phase.