may2023 - 35

One single, user-friendly human machine interface (HMI)
with smart features allows fast cooling, the ability to stop
the machine in a short time and no-frost operation through
a dual stage cooling system. Detailed technical remote monitoring
and a log of events ensures good technical support
from the manufacturer. What's more, low pressure fluid
ensures compatibility with the clean refrigeration gas that
has already become mandatory in other industries.
The GF15 Combo unit is most ideal for narrow-body aircraft
and can be used for aircraft up to the Boeing 737 and
Airbus 320 (Code C).
If the ACU is rarely needed, Clermont says the combined
unit might not be the right fit.
Options for the GF15 Combo unit include a heating mode,
400 Hz / 200 VAC power supply, 28 VDC power supply and
cold temperature kit for start-up in temperatures below
-25 degrees C.
Guinault has been supplying electric current to aircraft
since 1949. The generators of that time mainly supplied continuous
electric current at 28 volts. In the early 1970s, as the
first 400 Hz aircraft landed in Europe, Guinault was asked
by its airline customers to manufacture a 400 Hz GPU. Later
in the early 1990s Guinault began manufacturing multi-voltage
GPUs based on multi-coil alternators. That allowed
for a very compact unit, which was highly appreciated for
military use.
Today, Guinault still designs and manufactures its alternator
in-house.
" The alternator expertise has become a key success
Guinault's GF15 Combo combines
a generator and an air conditioner.
One of the benefits of combining two units into one was
one-person operation for two functions, resulting in reduced
handling, fuel, power consumption and maintenance.
And that's the main advantage, he says. A diesel-driven
combo unit ensures up to a 90 percent carbon emissions
reduction over an APU. An electrically driven solution will
ensure an additional offset of 5 to 10 percent, depending on
the carbon content of the electrical power.
The combo unit is reliable because it uses a two-stage cooling
circuit with the dual voltage alternator. No frequency converter
is required.
factor in the GPU, and later in the combined ACU/GPU. The
combo unit would not have existed in its robust and reliable
form without a dual voltage, unique Guinault alternator, "
says Clermont.
Based on the company's ability to innovate and understand
military requirements, Guinault in 1993 designed
a compact air conditioning unit for aircraft manufacturer
Dassault.
In 2000, an electric ASU joined Guinault's GPU and ACU
equipment lineup. With its 1,300-2,000 rpm variable engine
rpm operation, the electric air start unit concept offers fuel
savings compared to a conventional ASU fitted with a pneumatic
air controller, Clermont says.
" As we found that we could bring 30 percent savings
through our innovation in the electronic control of the compressor,
we decided to come with a new ASU, " he says.
Guinault came out with an ACU/GPU and ACU range of
products as the company understood it could bring relevant
savings and enhanced performance to the ACU, within a
combined unit based on the dual voltage alternator.
" ACU is a natural step beyond the ASU, as both units are
The modular construction of the GF15 Combo Unit
optimizes maintenance access.
based on compressors and use the thermodynamics rules.
Guinault stays on the APU-off path, and aims to come with
different products, based on deep in-house technological
expertise: alternator, power electronics, thermodynamics
and refrigeration, " Clermont says.
May 2023 || AviationPros.com || 35
GUINAULT
GUINAULT
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may2023

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