PV90-4 - Ground power converter

As airports and operators seek to minimise costs and pollution, the demand for fixed electrical ground powering of aircraft systems can only increase. Smart Airport Systems latest PV90-4 converter is designed to meet this demand by providing the ground power to run the electrical systems of the Boeing 787 and the next generation of aircraft.

The PV90-4 – the fourth generation of SAS’s solid state frequency converters – now 30% more compact and with an efficiency >95%*, has features that are unique. 

During ramp operations, whether operators are wearing heavy gloves or operating in bright sunshine, the large 5.7” LCD display and oversized panel controls make power selection and system monitoring easy.

The PV90-4 has a great emphasis is on its all-weather ease of use, and the product’s ability to be serviced worldwide by local staff.

From conception, the SAS's PV90-4 was designed to be a zero downtime GPU requiring a minimum of planned maintenance. The unique feature of the PV90-4 is the pluggable power module (as shown in the specification sheet). In the unlikely event of a system failure the 'Heart' of the machine can be easily replaced by front line maintenance staff in a matter of minutes.

The latest generation aircraft such as the Boeing 787 with electric air-conditioning packs and electric start can demand 90 kW from a 90 kVA FEGP installation. The use of on-board air-con can require this for extended periods. As airports and operators seek to minimise costs and pollution, the demand for fixed electrical ground powering of aircraft systems can only increase.

Smart Airport Systems latest PV90-4 Converter is designed to meet this demand by providing the ground power to run the electrical systems of the Boeing 787 and the next generation of aircraft. Continuously delivering a genuine 90 kW, (significantly more that the 90 kVA - 72 kW which is the generally quoted power), requires the generous sizing of electrical and electronic components and the ability to dissipate the heat generated at continuous full load.

Many competitors’ products are sized for short duration high output only, with some concentrating on size reduction at the expense of full load performance. Smart Airport Systems, through practical tests and operating experience, has taken a different approach.

As a manufacturer and exclusive provider of ground power at major air shows, our engineers have been uniquely placed to operate the company’s converters on all the world’s latest generation aircraft, gaining unrivalled data and experience while working alongside the airframe manufacturers’ test and field engineers. In this respect we are unique. The design of its latest 90 kW unit draws on the experience of its own ground handling team.

PV90-4 is offered with horizontal and vertical mounting options to suit all operations.

* At 100% load, 0.8PF