Abstract: Embodiments of a ground power unit are disclosed for providing power to a grounded vehicle, such as an aircraft. In accordance with certain embodiments, the ground power unit (GPU) accepts a wide range of AC input voltages and is capable of providing a range of DC output voltages. The GPU may include a switched rectifier that converts an AC input signal to a DC link signal. The DC link signal is then converted to a switched DC signal that simulates an AC-like sine wave using a high frequency DC-to-DC switching converter. A single-phase transformer modulates and isolates the switched DC signal, which is subsequently converted to a DC output signal using diode rectifiers coupled to the secondary winding of the transformer. The disclosed GPU may be controlled using a software-based control algorithm that controls the AC input parameters independently of the DC voltage parameters.

Abstract: A ground power unit having a power supply unit capable of accepting a wide range of AC input voltages and producing one or more DC power signals for powering components of the GPU is disclosed. In one embodiment, the power supply unit includes a rectifier that converts an AC input power to a DC link power. The power supply unit includes a gate driving circuit that has a power MOSFET transistor which, under the control of a PWM controller, produces a switched DC signal. The DC link power and the output of the gate drive circuitry are provided to a transformer, which modulates the signals and produces a first DC output power signal that is load independent and a second DC output power signal that is load dependent.

Abstract: A ground power unit having a power supply unit capable of accepting a wide range of AC input voltages and producing one or more DC power signals for powering components of the GPU is disclosed. In one embodiment, the power supply unit includes a rectifier that converts an AC input power to a DC link power. The power supply unit includes a gate driving circuit that has a power MOSFET transistor which, under the control of a PWM controller, produces a switched DC signal. The DC link power and the output of the gate drive circuitry are provided to a transformer, which modulates the signals and produces a first DC output power signal that is load independent and a second DC output power signal that is load dependent.

Abstract: Embodiments of a ground power unit are disclosed for providing power to a grounded vehicle, such as an aircraft. In accordance with certain embodiments, the ground power unit (GPU) accepts a wide range of AC input voltages and is capable of providing a range of DC output voltages. The GPU may include a switched rectifier that converts an AC input signal to a DC link signal. The DC link signal is then converted to a switched DC signal that simulates an AC-like sine wave using a high frequency DC-to-DC switching converter. A single-phase transformer modulates and isolates the switched DC signal, which is subsequently converted to a DC output signal using diode rectifiers coupled to the secondary winding of the transformer. The disclosed GPU may be controlled using a software-based control algorithm that controls the AC input parameters independently of the DC voltage parameters.