1. Powervamp

AERO Specialties provides complete aircraft and airport ground support equipment (GSE) solutions to corporate, FBO, MRO, military, airline and general aviation customers worldwide.

AERO Specialties range of premium products include:

• Aircraft Towbars & Heads
• Potable Water Service Carts
• Maintenance Stands
• JetGo Ground Power Units
• Oxygen & Nitrogen Service System

1. Powervamp

Smart Airport Systems (SAS), an Alvest Group Company, strives for excellence in its mission to provide sustainable solutions for aviation.

Its three major objectives are the generation of fuel savings to Airlines, the reduction of noise and polluting emissions and operational efficiency at Airports.

SAS innovative products, incorporate the latest unique technologies in the aviation industry, enabling Airlines and Airports to improve their operational efficiencies, whilst paving the way for a greener future.

1. Powervamp

AERO Specialties is the premier global distributor for precision ground support equipment offering solutions to corporate, FBO, MRO, military, airline and general aviation customers worldwide.

 

Their dedication to customer service and industry experience is unmatched. AERO Specialties sales and support staff understand aircraft handling and maintenance, and are ready to assist and advise on the most suitable equipment needed for your specific application.

For full information on the services offered by AERO Specialties visit their website below:
https://www.aerospecialties.com/

1. Powervamp

Smart Airport Systems, an Alvest Group Company, offer solutions for airports and airlines to achieve; fuel savings, reduction in noise, reduced emissions and improved operational efficiency.

Solutions

Pre-Conditioned Air – Powerful, cost effective and reliable air-conditioning units.

1. Powervamp

AERO Specialties is the international distributor of the Powervamp range of GPU’s and provides complete GSE solutions to corporate, FBO, MRO, military, airline and general aviation customers worldwide.

With over 30 years’ experience and expertise across a diverse product range, AERO Specialties is the premier supplier of aircraft GSE.

For full information on the AERO Specialties ground support equipment head to:
https://www.aerospecialties.com/

1. Powervamp

Smart Airport Systems an Alvest group company, strives to achieve excellence in its mission to provide sustainable solutions for aviation.

The three major objectives are the generation of fuel savings to airlines, the reduction of noise/polluting emissions and operational efficiency at airports.

Smart Airport Systems is able to provide innovative products and unique technologies, to ensure that airlines and airports are able to improve their operational efficiencies, whilst paving the way for a greener future.

 

For full information on how Smart Airport Systems is able to help pave the way for a greener future in aviation visit the below website.

https://www.smart-airport-systems.com/

1. Powervamp

A unique solution for fuelling or de-fuelling an aircraft or helicopter in remote locations has been engineered by UK manufacturer Powervamp.

The ‘Portapump‘ has been designed, and manufactured, by Powervamp for the rapid fuelling or de-fuelling of all types of aircraft using Jet A1 or diesel with a flash point above 37°C.

The Portapump can be powered by any 24V/28V DC power source such as a portable GPU and can deliver fuel at a rate of 100 litres, (26.4 gallons), per minute making the product ideal for being transported and used in remote locations.

AERO Specialties are the exclusive worldwide distributor of the Powervamp Portapump and can be contacted here: – sales@aerospecialties.com

To view the full technical specification of this product download the datasheet HERE.

 

1. Powervamp

PRESS RELEASE

Powervamp is pleased to announce that AERO Specialties will become its sole distributor of aviation DC ground power units (GPUs) and related accessories with immediate effect.

AERO Specialties has been a highly successful distributor of the Powervamp branded range of GPUs for many years and has attributed numerous sales to its ‘hands-on’ approach to product promotion, unrivalled equipment knowledge, dedicated sales team and relentless touring of the ground support equipment (GSE) exhibition circuit.

With the increase in demand for Powervamp GPUs, and many new products in development, Powervamp has decided to dedicate its commitment to its core production program and to allocate its front-line sales business to AERO Specialties.

In support of this exciting new development, all future Powervamp manufactured DC products will be produced in AERO Specialties corporate branding.

Powervamp will continue to design, develop, and manufacture its range of GPUs at its UK facility while maintaining its close relationship with AERO Specialties.

The combination of dedicated AERO Specialties sales resource, UK/USA stock allocation, and Powervamp factory support will offer customers an unparalleled experience during every aspect of the purchase process.

Powervamp looks forward to working with AERO Specialties and to support them as the premier supplier of aircraft GSE to aviation markets across the globe.

For more information on the AERO Specialties GSE product lines, or the exciting new relationship between both companies, 
visit www.aerospecialties.com.

1. Powervamp

Powervamp offers Greener Power to Bristol Airport.

As airports strive to satisfy new government emission directives, the emphasis on reducing their carbon footprint is becoming increasingly important.

The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, or CORSIA, aims to stabilise CO₂ emissions at 2020 levels by requiring airlines to offset the growth of their emissions after 2020.

“…Bristol Airport has reduced its overall emissions by 12% over the last 4 years…”

One particular forward thinking airport has been working with Powervamp – the UKs leading designer and manufacturer of ground power units – as part of its commitment to reducing its own emissions.

The ambitious carbon roadmap will conclude in 2050 with a ‘net zero’ airport

Bristol Airport started its emission reduction journey in 2014 and since then has reduced its overall emissions by 12% over the last 4 years, despite an impressive 36.5% increase in passenger numbers.  This equates to an overall 37% reduction on a per passenger basis.

Powervamp has worked closely with Bristol Airport for a number of years, in fact the airport was instrumental in assisting with the development of its environmentally friendly PV90-3 fixed electrical ground power (FEGP) units that are now installed.

“…Powervamp’s equipment has played a key role in reducing ‘on the ground’ emissions at Bristol Airport…”

These state-of-the-art systems replace the requirement for the more traditional ‘smoky’ diesel ground power units, (GPUs), whilst also offering advantages including improved reliability, intuitive controls and a pluggable primary power module to keep any maintenance downtime to an absolute minimum.

Simon Earles is Director of Planning and Sustainability at the forward-thinking Bristol Airport

The FEGP units are able to provide up to 90kW 400Hz of power to aircraft once they arrive at their stand and facilitates the ability to run all lighting, heating, avionics suite and general power systems with zero noise pollution and zero carbon emissions.

The FEGP also allows huge collective fuel savings as they negate the need for aircraft to run their Jet A1 powered auxiliary power units (APU). This equates to considerable financial savings for the airlines as well as the obvious environmental advantages.

“…By working with world class aerospace businesses on our doorstep we can continue to make strides to reduce our carbon footprint…”

Simon Earles, Planning & Sustainability Director at Bristol Airport, is tasked with overseeing the impressive carbon reducing roadmap and commented on the Powervamp FEGP ground support equipment:

“Powervamp’s equipment has played a key role in reducing ‘on the ground’ emissions at Bristol Airport and our plans to extend the availability of fixed electrical ground power across all aircraft stands will deliver further progress.”

 The ‘Sidewinder’ cable carrier system & ‘PV90-3’ GPU offer a green alternative to diesel power carts

“By working with world class aerospace businesses on our doorstep we can continue to make strides to reduce our carbon footprint while providing a boost to the regional economy at the same time.”

“…Bristol Airport will become a net zero airport by 2050…”

Bristol Airport has also invested in a number of other new technology’s including solar panels, low energy LED lighting, energy efficient baggage handling systems and an electric vehicle fleet to ensure the airport meets its ambitious target.

With an ultimate goal of becoming a net zero airport by 2050, the airport has a considerable amount of milestones to hit in order to reach this landmark status.  However, with the ambition, dedication and commitment to using the latest, greenest technology, this is certainly an achievable future target.

Our thanks to Bristol Airport, and Simon Earles, for their assistance in creating this article.  If you require any additional information on the ambitious plans for the airport to become a ‘net zero airport’ – please read their fascinating ‘Roadmap to Reduce Carbon Emissions’

Download the Bristol Airport carbon emissions roadmap here

 

 

1. Powervamp

Powervamp is proud to announce the launch of the ‘JetGo 300’ 28V DC Hybrid ground power unit (GPU), which will be exclusively sold through its worldwide DC aviation distributor AERO Specialties.

The ‘JetGo 300’, (formerly known as the ‘Coolspool Hybrid 300’), is the latest addition to the highly successful AERO Specialties JetGo range of hybrid ground power units.

The JetGo 300 is manufactured and designed by Powervamp Ltd and is suitable for all types of operation including offshore helicopter operations, FBO and maintenance organisations as well as daily regional airline use.

The latest JetGo offers up to 300A continuous power from its 3 x 100A paralleled internal power modules and, in conjunction with its bank of ultra-high discharge batteries, will also deliver ripple-free DC power suitable for turbine starting.

This powerful hybrid GPU can be operated from either its integral Tier IV compliant Kubota diesel engine whilst on the ramp OR from an external 3-phase AC input whilst in the hangar – making it the most universal GPU on the market.

The JetGo 300 is also fitted with patented ‘Power Boost System’ (PBS) technology to maintain voltage during the initial turbine start sequence thereby ensuring a fast, cool start whilst also maximising battery life.

The JetGo guarantees clean power whilst delivering the versatility and essential reliability that operators demand, at a fraction of the cost per turnaround. In fuel burn, the JetGo 300 at full load consumes just 3.55 litres an hour, (0.93 US gallons), and with the power consumption of most regional or commuter aircraft, will burn only 2.4 litres an hour (0.63 US gallons an hour).

Contrast these fuel burn figures with a typical large diesel GPU, where fuel burn can be between 25-35 litres per hour, (6.6- 9.4 US gallons per hour), and the savings in fuel alone are significant.

The JetGo 300 has been designed for operators requiring a versatile, standalone, high output DC power source with green credentials but at a fraction of the cost of a conventional diesel GPU.

The NEW JetGo 300 ground power unit is only available from

AERO Specialties, or authorised distributors.

sales@aerospecialties.com   /   www.aerospecialties.com   /   +1.208.378.9888

1. Powervamp

The doors recently closed at the 53^rdInternational Paris Airshow, and the Powervamp Airshow team reflected on what has been one of their most challenging airshows to date. Extreme weather, constant aircraft movements and the long hours associated with the set-up, support and breakdown of the worlds oldest airshow required the team to dig deep physically, and mentally, to allow them to deliver the expected quality service.

“…the logistics for getting the equipment and staff safely to the airshow was a massive undertaking…”

However, nothing had been left to chance in the run up to the airshow.  Planning started in mid-2018 with the first wave of meetings and email correspondence to understand which airframe manufacturers, such as Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, Cessna, Gulfstream and Pilatus to name but a few, were proposing to attend the 2019 airshow.  Although the list was always expected to be fluid with many changes likely to occur, it allowed the various organisations associated with the static airpark to start their initial planning.

Powervamp operated in conjunction with the appointed airshow ground handling organisation, Worldwide Flight Services, (WFS).  WFS work with over 270 major airlines and airports internationally to process airline cargo, facilitate aircraft arrivals and departures as well as offering a full range of professional ramp services.

Powervamp was one of five ALVEST companies that contributed to the environmentally friendly ‘green’ static airpark

Powervamp also worked alongside a number of its sister companies, (TLD, AES, SAS and LEBRUN) to provide, and support, the huge amount of ground support equipment, (GSE), that was provided for the aircraft.

Equipment consisted of ground power units (GPUs) including 90kVA and 45 kVA 400Hz frequency converters, 28V DC power supplies as well as air-conditioning, air-stairs, tow tractors and high pressure cooling.

“…the International Paris Airshow took its environmental responsibilities very seriously this year…”

As the Powervamp airshow GSE alone required two articulated lorries and a large number of trained engineers flying and driving to Paris at different times – the logistics alone for getting the equipment and staff safely to the airshow was a massive undertaking for the airshow administrative department.

Once the GSE arrived on site after its two day transit, it was physically inspected and powered up to ensure it was 100% operational after its journey, before being re-located to the allocated compound area and ready to roll out once the various chalets and static areas were completed.

The articulated lorries were carefully unloaded before the GPUs were checked after their long journey.

The International Paris Airshow took its environmental responsibilities very seriously this year. The organisers wanted to promote the use of electrical ground power, wherever possible, over diesel powered equipment that is generally noisy, smelly, expensive and by running for many hours at a time, highly damaging to the environment through its carbon emissions.  This is where Powervamp GPUs were a perfect fit with their silent, non-polluting, ‘green’ alternative to the more traditional diesel GPU.

Overall set-up took seven days as aircraft arrived daily, with many more aircraft movements occurring as the airframe manufacturers repositioned their latest, or most high profile, aircraft to show off to their customers, the worlds aviation media as well as the general public.

“…even with the imminent countdown, aircraft were still being repositioned…”

As the aircraft arrived, the Powervamp GPUs were called upon immediately to power the avionics cockpit suite as well as lighting and other electrical systems due to the frowned upon practice of aircraft running their own auxiliary power unit, (APU), to provide the hotel load power whilst the aircraft awaited for its GPU.

As the opening day loomed ever closer, the days became longer as the team manoeuvred GSE as aircraft were continuously relocated to offer their best angle or were moved out daily to practice in the flying display.

Aircraft are constantly moved around during the set-up and show days meaning the PV staff are always on standby

With the aircraft eventually in place and the large amount of GSE in situ under wings or by the side of the fuselage of the aircraft, the last Sunday before the airshow opened is normally a 10 – 15hr day spent testing, running up, and tweaking the equipment to ensure all was ready for the following morning.  However, even with the imminent countdown, aircraft were still being repositioned – and what could be the smallest of relocations on a static pitch could very easily result in an additional requirement of 100m of cable due to the re-routing around walkways, stairs  and chalets.

Its these type of situations where the experience of the airshow team comes into play as they have to juggle with resource, manage stock, power drops, weather considerations, power calculations and customer expectations… whilst still keeping a cool head!

“…its the commitment to carrying backup equipment that gives organisers and exhibitors peace of mind…”

Monday, the opening day of the 53^rdInternational Paris Airshow, dictated a very early start for the team who had to arrive on site ahead of the expected heavy traffic congestion. With the team on the static display, their first job was to switch on the ground power units and power up the air-coolers in anticipation of the very high temperatures.

Over the course of the week a number of requests for additional air coolers were received as temperatures crept up to 36 degrees centigrade in the mid-afternoon sun – luckily this had also been anticipated and the team could satisfy these orders from their spare stock.

 

The Airshow staff must be able to operate individually as well as working as part of a team

During the week, the team got into a routine of arriving early, switching on all equipment before returning to base camp for the vast majority of the day to stay out of the sun.  Teams took turns to parol the long static display checking in with exhibitors to ensure all was well.

On the highly unusual occasion that equipment needs to be swapped out, the Powervamp Airshow team have a large inventory of spare equipment that can be pushed into place in a matter of minutes with only the smallest of disruption to the customer.  Its the commitment to carrying backup equipment for these unusual ‘just in case’ type situations that gives the International Paris Airshow organisers and exhibitors the peace of mind whilst working with Powervamp.

“…the airshow team took advantage of the downtime during the public days…”

As the airshow headed towards the end of the ‘trade’ days, the pressure on the Powervamp airshow team began to diminish as certain large airframe manufacturers departed. With deals finalised, contracts signed and interviews given – a number of aircraft are required to return to their scheduled flights to earn their keep.

The departing aircraft also allows the team to recover more equipment from the static airpark each night, which in turn allows them to be increasingly more prepared for when the articulated lorries return to collect the equipment.

As the aircraft depart it allows the team to recover the GPUs back to base in anticipation of breakdown

Once the weekend arrived, and the doors opened for the public days, the sea of sharp suits and briefcases during the trade days are replaced with brightly coloured shorts and baseball caps as families made their way on the static display for the two ‘public’ days.  The majority of the chalets are now locked down, as are a large number of aircraft, meaning even more of the GSE equipment can be pulled back to the Powervamp base.

“…it was only then that thoughts turned towards the preparation for the next airshow…”

The airshow team took advantage of the downtime during the public days, and set about the daunting task of sorting out the equipment in anticipation of the following Sunday night and Monday morning breakdown.

Sunday afternoon saw the airshow finally come its doors, and the team embarked on a long night as they retrieved the final converters, power supplies, coolers and long cable lengths and start to palletise the equipment in anticipation of the collection. The allocated forklift operated constantly as pallets were relocated and large cable boxes were filled and stacked, before moved to the collection point.

Last men standing – the remaining members of the airshow team ready to head back to the UK after breakdown

Monday finally arrived and the wait for the drivers to obtain the correct documentation before being allowed to drive to the collection point took many hours due to the sizeable traffic queues whilst contractors and haulage companies jostled to get on the main static display.

Once the Powervamp articulated lorries got to site, the reloading was a fairly straight forward business, thanks to the experience of the team and the skills of the forklift operator. By 6pm both lorries were on their way back to the UK where the kit will be unpacked, inspected and stored for the next airshow.

The team returned to the hotel for one last night, before preparing for the long journey home the following day, and it was only then that thoughts turned towards the preparation for the next airshow…..✈️

For more information on Powervamp Aviation Airshow Services, please contact us at sales@powervamp.com or call +44 (0)1934 643000. 

 

 

1. Powervamp

 

As FBOs, MROs, and small regional airports are constantly being asked to maximise their ground support equipment budgets, Powervamp has identified a market for a cost-effective power DC power solution and developed its 2-in-1 range of Coolspool Combination ground power units (GPUs).

These compact and powerful GPUs offer the flexibility of a constant 28V DC power supply for avionics and software programming with the addition of high-discharge batteries for turbine starting.

The Coolspool Combination range of GPUs have been designed to meet the power requirements of the latest generation DC turbine and and turboprop aircraft and are intended to compliment the already well established Coolspool GPU range of hand portable units and award winning heavy duty battery carts.

The spacious display includes power status LEDs, output voltage, current indicators and battery charge status.

The Coolspool Combination is available in three different power output configurations – 100Amps, 200Amps or 300Amps to cater for the power requirements of the majority of DC aircraft. Each model is equipped with an integral cable stowage tray and is exceptionally easy to manoeuvre due to its heavy duty polyurethane casters.

The battery isolated switch and sealed lead acid batteries ensure the GPU is cleared for air transportation and each model is supplied with a Nato output lead set and hard wired input cable as standard.

Each Coolspool Combination GPU can be used inside a hangar or outside on the ramp, by plugging in to an external supply input or utilising its own DC battery power for turbine starting.

The well proportioned display, with easy-to-read voltmeter and ammeter allows the operator to be well informed of the power output at all times.

Numerous features make the Coolspool Combination range ideal for MROs, FBOs and airports requiring a flexible DC GPU.

The Powervamp Coolspool Combination range of ground power units are available from our worldwide DC distributor, AERO Specialties and their accredited distributors.

Full technical specification on the Coolspool Combination range can be viewed on our data sheet HERE.

For all general enquiries, please email us at sales@powervamp.com or call our UK sales office on +44 (0)1934 643000, alternatively, you can use our web contact form.

1. Powervamp

2019 will see Powervamp celebrate its 25th anniversary – and it’s been an incredible journey as the company evolved from its humble beginnings operating from a kitchen in North Somerset to becoming the huge multi-national manufacturing business with customers in over 67 countries worldwide.

The expansion over the years hasn’t always been easy, and it’s taken the steady leadership of Richard Roller and, more recently, Ken Walker to keep the company in good shape as it continues to move from strength to strength.  However, let us revisit some of the landmark events that have shaped the company, and set the tone for the last 25 years…

Field testing within the automotive, rail and commercial vehicle industries was key to the companies early success.

The ‘Powervamp’ name is derived from the formula ‘power = volts x amps’ and was formed by Richard Roller in 1993.  The company was incorporated in 1994 and has over the years built a reputation for refusing to compromise on quality whilst still meeting customer’s requirements. It was, however, the automotive jump start pack market where the company first made a name for itself.

“…key to Powervamp’s success was the extensive ‘hands-on’ field testing…”

Powervamp started out manufacturing battery jump start packs to start small petrol and diesel engine cars with flat batteries on garage forecourts, auction houses and dealerships.

The concept of a powerful, rechargeable dry-cell battery in a bespoke moulded carrying case, that could be used to multi-start 12v vehicles, was new to the industry; but through the relentless demonstrating by Richard across the entire UK, customers became convinced once they witnessed the portability and massive engine cranking ability of the product.

The aviation industry was to play a massive part in the future growth of Powervamp and its product lines.

With a limited range of automotive jump start packs being manufactured, the company took an interest in developing a small aviation derived product using the same batteries, but for starting helicopter turbines – and the first portable DC ground power unit (GPU) was assembled.  Richard quickly saw the huge potential within the aviation market and continued to develop new products to meet the customers aviation requirements.  The range grew bigger and more powerful to meet the customers demand.

“…sales grew as a result of its reputation for reliability and quality…”

Key to Powervamp’s success was the extensive ‘hands-on’ field testing and research carried out by the Powervamp engineers resulting in the development of equipment to meet the demands of the automotive and aviation industries. At the same time, Powervamp’s design team had accumulated a wealth of technical knowledge unique to the company. As a result Powervamp had gained a practical and technological edge over many of its competitors.

28V DC power supplies were designed to compliment the range off 24V DC ground power units.

Having designed it’s highly successfully range of portable piston engine and turbine starting packs the company identified the need for a miniaturised continuous, 28V DC power supply to allow police helicopter crews to be trained on FLIR thermal imaging systems whilst on the ground, thus saving expensive fuel and flying hours.

Powervamp’s sales began to grow as a result of it’s reputation for reliability and quality which eventually led to the company relocating in 1997 to its present head office in Weston-super-Mare.

“…the award-winning ‘Coolspool’ eventually convinced the industry that silent, non-polluting, DC ramp carts were the future…”

With its electronic design expertise and growing worldwide customer base, Powervamp had the confidence to start bidding for military tenders.  Powervamp products would win tenders, being selected by multiple armed forces, as the most suitable portable power product for starting armoured vehicles, helicopters and DC aircraft. The Powervamp GPU range and jump-start packs had now proved themselves in both civil and military applications where performance, reliability and support were essential requirements in the field.

The award winning ‘Coolspool’ heavy duty battery carts helped make the aviation industry more environmentally conscious.

Throughout the millennium, the aviation industry became increasingly environmentally conscious. Powervamp responded by developing its unique heavy duty zero-emission battery carts for regional airlines operating large DC aircraft on scheduled services. The award-winning, 28V DC product range marketed under Powervamp’s ‘Coolspool’ brand eventually convinced the industry through a number of high profile international trials, that silent, non-polluting, DC ramp carts were the future with Airlines actually saving money by using this ‘green’ alternative to the old generation diesel GPUs.

“…the acquisition of Effekta gave Powervamp access to another product range…”

With new generation aircraft requiring increased power to run their avionics suites whilst on the ground, Powervamp had to develop more powerful equipment to service this requirement.  In 2012 Powervamp acquired Bedfordshire based Effekta UK Ltd, (a specialist in advanced power electronics) which enabled Powervamp to develop and manufacturer specialist 400Hz aviation frequency converters for the powering of large passenger aircraft at international airports – and so the PV90-3 was launched.

The 400Hz PV90-3 frequency converter allowed Powervamp to bid for much larger airport tenders.

The acquisition of Effekta also gave Powervamp access to another product range that was manufactured in Bedfordshire – emergency lighting central battery systems. These systems are required by UK law to be installed in any public or industrial building and in the event of power failure, the emergency lighting central battery system must switch to battery power long enough to allow people to leave the premises safely.

“…uniquely, Powervamp is both a manufacturer and a service provider…”

Powervamp were now able to offer 400Hz converters but without any large airport customers to reference, was proving tough to compete with some well established competitors. However, following a successful trial at local Bristol Airport, the equipment was eventually purchased, and installed, which allowed Powervamp to embark on an aggressive campaign to promote and trial frequency converters at the UKs largest international airports.

Powervamp have now supplied numerous airports including Edinburgh, Luton, Manchester, London City and Heathrow airports who have placed multiple orders for this specialist equipment.

High profile airshows are a great way to promote equipment, and services, in front of the worlds aviation press.

The aviation product range, technical knowledge and large stock meant Powervamp was an obvious supplier for airshows where there was a requirement to power all static aircraft on display to enable them to run their avionic systems without the need to run their un-environmental APU (auxiliary power unit).  Powervamp has now won the contract to provide all ground power to numerous airshows over the years including the Farnborough, Paris and Singapore airshows.

Manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Dassault and Embraer, to name but a few, all rely on Powervamp to offer this unique service whilst they are in the static airpark.  This allows Powervamp to use their GPU’s and static frequency converters on the latest generation aircraft, whilst also gaining valuable feedback for the R&D teams.

“…the CAD department has expedited the ‘concept to completion’ ethos…”

Uniquely, Powervamp is both a manufacturer and a service provider – no other company in the world has the product knowledge, rental fleet or technically experienced team to provide this highly specialised support to the world’s major airframe manufacturers.  Once again, Powervamps ‘hands-on’ experience has proved crucial in the securing of a new income stream.

The CAD suite has expedited the design process – Powervamp can bring products to market in a fraction of the original time.

In recent years Powervamp has developed its own CAD (computer aided design) team to facilitate its in-house design processes which can vastly reduce the development time by allowing changes to be made immediately.  The CAD department has expedited the ‘concept to completion’ ethos, by simulating real-world performance with the ability to make technical design changes instantly.

Powervamp customers also benefit from the fact that the company controls all aspects of production from software design to product support. It can, therefore, guarantee spares continuity, which is in turn supported by a dedicated in-house service department that does not rely on external support or third-party contracted engineers.

“…products are in use in more than 67 countries and with installation, training and support provided by a dedicated team…”

In 2017, the constant growth within the aviation sector and commitment to quality, service and understanding the customers requirements brought Powervamp to the attention of France based ground support equipment manufacturer, TLD.  TLD expressed an interest in acquiring Powervamp to compliment its own range of ground support equipment and in late 2018 Powervamp joined the TLD organisation to rub shoulders with a handful of other quality manufacturers and suppliers within the aviation industry.

Over 25 years Powervamp has become a manufacturer of advanced power systems…where will the next 25 years take us?

As Powervamp turns 25yrs old, the company can reflect on a number of milestone events that allowed it to grow, develop new concepts and push technical boundaries – but it has never forgotten its roots or its absolute dedication to servicing the customers requirements, an ethos that is every bit as as important in 2019 as it was in 1993.

With products in use in more than 67 countries and with installation, training and support provided by a dedicated team of engineers, the large production, R&D, CAD, service and airshow teams stand behind the increasing range of power products and offer unprecedented product support.  Powervamp is Advanced Power Solutions.

For more details on the Powervamp story, visit our ‘About Us’ page HERE, alternatively you can access our visual timeline of key events that transformed the company over the last 25 years from our home page HERE.

 

 

1. Powervamp

HeliService International GmbH was founded in 1987 as a helicopter service agent in Egelsbach, Germany. The company initially facilitated rescue flights, passenger and cargo transportation, helicopter pilot training and maintenance support.

However, in 2006 the company decided to focus solely on offshore supply flights to include – passenger and cargo transportation to and from offshore wind farms, research and erection vessels, and helicopter hoist operations.  Today HeliService operates from its new facility in Bremerhaven as well as its head office at Emden Airfield, North Germany.

“…the engineer travelled to Hamburg before commencing the 3hr drive to Emden…”

HeliService recently took delivery of a Powervamp 28V DC TRU2400-2 ground power unit (GPU), which is being used at the end of each day to perform turbine compressor washes on their Agusta Westland AW139 and AW169 helicopters before being put into storage overnight.

The head office based at Emden Airfield is a short distance away from the wind farms that the company regularly fly to.

HeliService made contact with the Powervamp Service Department when a circuit breaker on their Augusta AW139 helicopter began tripping during the end of day turbine washes whilst connected to the Powervamp TRU.

Unable to diagnose the fault over the phone, it was decided that a Systems Engineer from the Powervamp R&D department should be sent to Germany to witness the issue first hand.

“…with a hard drive full of data, it was time to return to the UK to work on a solution…”

‘The engineer travelled to Hamburg where they were met by the Powervamp regional distributor, (who would also assist in the technical translation), before commencing the 3hr drive to Emden.

The TRU2400-2 was rigorously tested using using an oscilloscope to understand why the AW139 circuit breaker was tripping.

Once on site the situation was replicated a number of times and analysed using an oscilloscope to understand the electronic waveform, and at what point the circuit breaker was being triggered.

With a hard drive full of data, it was time to return to the UK to work on a solution – but not before a Coolspool 410 DC battery cart had been left with HeliService to allow them to continue their daily operations without issue.

“…(HeliService) were particularly impressed with the level of customer service and commitment offered by Powervamp…”

Once back in the UK the captured information was used to replicate the situation in a controlled environment and the Powervamp R&D Department worked to develop a solution.

After trying a number of different approaches, the best solution was found which involved internal wiring modifications and a bespoke PCB firmware upgrade designed specifically for the AW139 and AW169 helicopters.

A Coolspool 410 GPU was loaned to the customer whilst a solution was found – all part of the Powervamp customer service.

With the Powervamp R&D team satisfied that the issue had been resolved, the Systems Engineer returned to Germany, again with the regional distributor, to try out the fix on the AW139. Some additional modifications were made on-site to fine tune the TRUs behaviour, and to ensure its characteristics worked flawlessly with the helicopters sensitive electronics.

HeliService expressed their gratitude stating they were particularly impressed with the level of customer service and commitment offered by Powervamp to understand and overcome the unusual circuit breaker issue – particularly as the issue was with the helicopter and not the ground support equipment.

Powervamp has built its reputation for customer service by taking a holistic approach to understand, and appreciate, the surrounding influences that can often effect and account for an issue that wasn’t necessary the customers fault.  By understanding the route cause of a fault, and by working with the customer to find a resolution, Powervamp has gained not only the trust off the customer, but often enjoys repeat business as a direct result of this apprcoach.

For more information on Powervamp Services, visit our dedicated page HERE

 

 

 

1. Powervamp

With a background of more than 25 years in the manufacture and supply of ground power systems for the aviation industry worldwide, Powervamp has steadily developed its lease and rental service business to become one of the most widely recognised suppliers of this specialised support service.

Powervamp product quality and customer support is unmatched by any other service on the market and has been the key to the growth of the company, with repeat business confirming the success.

“…Powervamp offers short or long-term lease/rental services to customers…”

The Powervamp rental fleet includes a dedicated stock of modern, silent, solid-state 28V DC power supplies, 115V 400 Hz AC 45 – 90 kVA frequency converters, TRUs, diesel hybrid power units and air-conditioning units, all of which are available for short and long-term rental contracts.

Powervamp owns a huge fleet of its own designed and manufactured ground power units.

Powervamp has launched a new lease and rental brochure as part of its campaign to highlight these services and to inform airports, FBOs and MROs that there are other alternatives to an outright purchase.

“..leasing & renting can be advantageous to a companies cash flow…”

When businesses bid for short-term contracts the operational need for portable DC power, 28V or 400Hz GPU’s for aircraft/helicopters or even portable air conditioning for aircraft can be achieved without the need of getting capital expenditure signed off. Powervamp offers its short or long-term lease/rental services to customers, through which its modern equipment can be hired by the week.

Trained service staff are available to load, install and assist in power calculations when required.

Leasing and renting equipment can be advantageous to a companies cash flow, as there is no immediate financial commitment at the beginning as there is with an outright purchase. This also can provide fixed financing, meaning that there is no need to worry about rising interest rates throughout the contract term.

Fixed monthly payments make budgeting easier for companies which have stringent financial regulations yet also give them access to a higher standard of equipment, which might be too expensive to buy outright.

“…leasing an asset may offer better terms for the user’s requirements…”

Leasing/renting also guards the user against the risk of obsolescence, i.e. the risk that assets may lose their utility due to rapid changes in technology. This means that the user can adjust the term of the lease/rental such that it is no longer burdened with the assets when it is no longer efficient to operate.

Air-conditioners are often used at International Airshows where ambient cockpit temperatures can soar in the midday sun.

Another example of this would be to look at the flexibility of leasing/renting assets, whereby the operation need for an asset could be for a term of 6 months and the assets useful life may be 5 years. In a situation like this, purchasing the asset may not be the practical option, while leasing an asset may offer better terms for the user’s requirements.

When companies bid on short term contracts, it may be a matter of urgency to require an asset, whereby leasing/renting can provide fast turnarounds times to allow quicker acquisition of goods.

The new brochure outlines the available products and service that are offered within this dynamic division and is available to download now from the below link, or from our dedicated downloads section.

Download the latest ‘Lease and Rental Services Brochure’

Powervamp products are available for hire by the week – contact the Powervamp rental division for a quote on +44 (0) 1934 643000 or email sales@powervamp.com

1. Powervamp

Micron Technology was  originally founded in Boise, Idaho, in 1978 by Ward Parkinson, Joe Parkinson, Dennis Wilson, and Doug Pitman as a semiconductor design consulting company. In 1981, the company moved from consulting to manufacturing with the completion of its first range of 64K DRAM chips.

The company has continued to expand its operation through a number of aquisitions and joint ventures, including several successful collaborations with the American multinational corporation and technology company, Intel.

The impressive Micron Technology facility situated in Boise, Idaho.

Over the past 41 years Micron Technology has continued to grow, and diversify, its product range, which subsequently increased its production and management to in excess of 34,000 staff operating within 17 different countries.  Today the company manufactures a massive range of memory and storage solutions including the DRAM, NAND, NOR and 3D XPoint brands and in February 2019, the first microSD card with a storage capacity of 1TB was launched.

“…the engineers were astonished when it was powered up…”

Micron Technology contacted Powervamp worldwide aviation DC distributor, AERO Specialties, earlier this year with a requirement for a replacement GPU, (ground power unit), to provide 28V DC power to their new Gulfstream G280 aircraft based in Boise.  The head of the aviation department had known AERO President, Matt Sheehan, for many years and was the obvious choice to request advice on choosing the most suitable equipment.

The GPU2400-315 offers numerous advantages over its predecessor – notably its silent operation, portability and output.

Their current GPU was too noisy resulting in the pilots and ground crew shouting to be heard – which wasn’t conducive with careful software upgrades or delicate maintenance procedures.  The ageing GPU was also struggling to provide the peak amps that the new G280 required and generally wasn’t performing as it was needed to.

“…the GPU is in daily use and can power the Gulfstream up to 6hrs a day…”

The new GPU2400-315 was offered as a direct replacement and was taken to the hanger to demonstrate its capabilities. Despite the engineers initial apprehension that the comparatively small GPU couldn’t provide the power, they were astonished when it was powered up, connected to the aircraft and immediately powered the avionics suite, interior lighting and fridge with clean DC power – and silently!

The engineers also appreciated the ease with which the GPU2400-315 could be manoeuvred around the hanger by a single person.

Pilots and engineers now have the confidence to use the GPU for many hours at a time without overheating concerns.

The GPU is now in daily use and can power the Gulfstream up to 6hrs a day to facilitate software programming and maintenance schedules, and even with the cooling fans operating, the very low ambient noise being generated is a welcome change to its predecessor.

Micron Technology were not only impressed with the all-round general performance of the GPU, but also with the customer service and after sales support from the AERO Specialties sales team.

For more information on AERO Specialties, the GPU2400-315 or if you wish to discuss your

own power requirements – please contact sales@powervamp.com

1. Powervamp

1. Powervamp

As Powervamp approaches its 25th year of trading, its important to appreciate the product range that introduced the company, its technical capabilities and its commitment to customer service, first to the world.

Powervamp is regarded as a world leader in the design and manufacture of high quality power products for many professional markets, and as such has built a reputation for refusing to compromise on quality when meeting a customers requirements. It was however, the automotive jump start pack market where the company first made a name for itself.

“…the product range was developed with safety for the user and protection for the vehicle…”

Powervamp started manufacture of its battery jump start packs 24 years ago to start small engine petrol and diesel cars with flat batteries on garage forecourts, auction houses and dealerships.

The concept of a powerful, rechargeable dry-cell battery in a bespoke moulded carrying case, that could be used to multi-start 12v vehicles, was new to the industry, but customers were soon convinced once they witnessed the massive cranking ability of the products.

Rail, heavy plant or commercial vehicles – Powervamp have the product range to satisfy any requirement 

The maintenance free, high discharge Enersys batteries were chosen due to their unbeatable characteristics. The batteries deliver up to three times more instant power than a conventional lead acid battery, yet are smaller, lighter and don’t suffer from memory effect. They can also hold their charge for over 12 months, ideal when 240V mains power wasn’t immediately available to recharge.

The product range was developed with safety for the user and protection for the vehicle. The equipment also needed to be serviced easily, even by the owner, and spare parts are always available to purchase over the phone with next day delivery.

“…Powervamp has continued to develop its automotive products…”

Even the very first Powervamp jump start packs had a battery status display PCB to monitor battery capacity whilst on charge, and in use, as well as a reverse polarity audible alarm.  Voltage spike protection was also installed to eliminate any potential damage to the vehicles ECU whilst starting, giving the user complete peace of mind when purchasing or using a Powervamp product.

Heavy-duty earth moving quarry machinery rely on the Powervamp Nato 200 Twin to ensure they start first time, every time

Powervamp has continued to develop its automotive products by working closely with the bus companies, auction houses, garage franchises, rail networks and car importers to understand the demanding environments that the products are being operated in.

Today Powervamp still manufactures its range of automotive jump start packs and still uses the same high quality batteries and internal components to guarantee the quality and reputation of the product range.

The company now supplies all products through its UK distributor, Alliance Electronics, but continues to develop new ideas (such as the heavy duty ‘Go-Cart’ designed for the multi-starting of commercial engines), and remains an innovative manufacturer incorporating ideas from its world famous aviation ground power unit range.

The last 24yrs has seen the company grow from a one-man operation in to a large internationally recognised business with a worldwide distribution network, selling into 65+ countries with a large range of advanced power products…where will the next 24yrs take us?

For further information on any of our professional automotive power products,

please call 01934 643000 or visit our product pages HERE.

 

1. Powervamp

Regional Express, (also known as Rex), is Australia’s largest regional airline, (outside of the Quantas group of companies), and is based in Mascot, New South Wales.

The airline was established in 2002 when the Australiawide Airlines consortium acquired Hazelton Airlines and Kendell Airlines, before merging both companies and started operations in August 2002 as ‘Rex’.

REX operates scheduled regional services covering New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, North Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia.

Mt Isa, Queensland                              Kingscote, Kangaroo Island                              Normanton, Queensland

REX operates the worlds largest fleet of Swedish built Saab 340 turboprop aircraft.  The 54 strong fleet is made up of Saab 340A, 340B and 340B+WT aircraft seating 33, 34 or 36 passengers.

Powervamp first started working with REX in 2016 and has developed a strong relationship with the regional airline over the years, so when the airline made contact to request a service visit to a number of its sites around Australia – an engineer was despatched immediately.

“…REX run a large fleet of Powervamp TRU2400-2 ground power units…”

The trip was to incorporate 6 sites comprising of Kingscote, Burnie Island, Orange, Parkes, Mt Isa and Normanton, and was to serve two purposes.  Firstly, the engineers wanted to inspect, service and upgrade, (where required), the ground power equipment to the latest specification,and secondly, to research the actual application of the units whilst out in the field to understand how they were being used.

Burnie, Tasmania                                        Orange, New South Wales                              Parkes, New South Wales

REX run a large fleet of Powervamp TRU2400-2 ground power units to power their aircraft on the ground in remote locations due to its high current turbine starting capabilities. The TRUs ability to maintain a high DC voltage at the plug whilst delivering over 2000 Amps greatly reduces the stress on the aircrafts internal batteries on routes where the flight times are very short.

“…19 flights, 16 days away, 10 hotels, 6 REX locations and 1 bird strike…”

During the service visit it was necessary to replace airport circuit breakers in some locations that were struggling to handle the required power for the TRU.

Other TRUs required firmware and cabling upgrades to bring them up to the latest specification as well as general servicing where they were being reguarly operated in extreme remote locations.

After 19 flights, 16 days away, 10 hotels, 6 REX locations and 1 bird strike (in Dormadgee), with a comprehensive tool kit and bulky load-tester,  the Powervamp service team returned back to the UK to prepare themselves for their next visit….which will hopefully be closer to home.

Discuss your servicing requirements, or ground power options, with the service team –

contact us on +44 (0) 1934 643000 or info@powevamp.com

 

 

 

 

1. Powervamp

As a British manufacturer we stand by our products and offer cost-effective support and maintenance programs, ensuring your system’s life-cycle is maximised.  We believe that the key to our success is working with our customers, creating a mutually beneficial partnership which will hopefully lead to repeat business in the long-term.

In today’s competitive markets, manufacturers and resellers often sell equipment at low margins only to ‘sting’ their customers with extortionate maintenance costs. Powervamp prefer a more moral approach and therefore urge potential customers to check through-life costs before making any final commitments to new or replacement systems.

Powervamp offer a range of standard and tailored maintenance agreements to suit individual customer requirements. Our maintenance agreements are cost effective and provide real benefits to our customers.

If you require guaranteed response, we strongly recommend you discuss options with our Service Department.

The Powervamp service team utilise their fully equipped workshop to carry out repairs to the complete product range.

We offer on-site support for many of our products, when returning them to our service centre is not an option, these are typically hard-wired products such as Central Battery Systems and 400Hz Ground Power Units.

Our team will provide a complete service including:

• Risk Assessments & Method Statements
• Routine Testing (Legislative Testing for Central Battery Systems)
• Battery Testing (Central Battery Systems)
• Preventative Maintenance
• Full Report / Commissioning Certificate

Powervamp offer an on-site service for both contract and non-contract clients. In addition, we also offer an on-site repair service for non-Powervamp products including obsolete manufacturers or manufacturers which cannot offer the support you require.

Telephone support is available during normal office hours free of charge.  We also offer 24-7 telephone support for customers with critical requirements – contact our service department for further information and associated costs.

For customers with maintenance agreements in place, we offer emergency call-outs, the timing of these call-outs are typically agreed and documented within your maintenance agreement.

Product support can range from there smallest automotive pack to multiple 90kVA 400Hz airport installations.

Many of our smaller portable products can be returned to base for routine maintenance and repairs, this is more cost effective than performing these works on site.

Our service centres are fully equipped with calibrated measuring equipment and loadbanks to ensure your product is tested / repaired to the highest standard. All tests are performed in line with standard factory test procedures, the same as for new products.  Spare parts for standard equipment are generally held in stock, reducing turn-around times.

We supply products through our worldwide distributor network, many of these distributors have the ability to perform basic repairs to Powervamp equipment. Powervamp’s UK service team are also on hand to support our distributors as required.

For further information on servicing your product, maintenance agreements or product support in general – please email sales@powervamp.com or call 01934 643000.

1. Powervamp

Eurobus Expo 2018 is the largest event of its kind in 2018 and a highly-regarded fixture on the industry’s calendar.  The 3 day passenger transport event is being held from 30th October to 1st November at the NEC, Birmingham.  The expo is held every two years and is a platform for many European manufacturers and suppliers  to make new contacts and showcase new developments in the market place.

300 exhibitors will exhibit a full spectrum of cutting-edge innovations from the latest vehicles and technology to training and services, industry insiders  expect to have their fingers firmly on the passenger transport pulse at Euro Bus Expo 2018.

The 2016 expo proved hugely popular and played host to the launch of numerous new vehicles (amongst the 120 on display), 291 exhibitors, 18 expert speakers and over 9,000 attendees.   The 2018 is shaping up to be even bigger with an increase in exhibitors and pre-registered visitors.

Powervamp will be represented at the expo by their long time UK automotive distributor, Alliance Transport Technologies, who will be exhibiting a large range of jump start packs, as well as their own product lines.

The company specialises in providing leading aftermarket products and services for the bus, coach and commercial vehicle industries and has built up a reputation for its reliable, rapid and responsive maintenance and refurbishment service for vehicle electrical and electronics systems.

Alliance Transport Technologies often provide a faster turnaround, at much keener prices, than vehicle manufacturers and original equipment suppliers.   Among its key service features, it offers a full twelve-month warranty on all aspects of the systems it repairs, not just faulty components.

ATT has been growing steadily, and is currently taking on new customers at the rate of a hundred a month

Alliance Transport Technologies has been the dedicated UK distributor of Powervamp automotive products since 2014 and has the perfect customer base for introducing the Powervamp product line as well as the ability to offer a complete after sales service.

You can view the entire product automotive jump start packs, including the 12/24 Technoboost, Tower Pack, Go-Cart as well as the best selling Nato range, on stand G74, hall 5 Eurobus Expo 2018.

To make an appointment to discuss your jump start pack requirements –

call 0114 2477041 or email enquiries@alliancett.co.uk

1. Powervamp

Helitech International is a dedicated helicopter exhibition and conference which is held annually between London and Amsterdam alternatively.  The 2018 expo returned to the Amsterdam RAI for a 3rd time, and hosted visitors from over 70 different countries.

The expo and conference offer an accessible industry platform for product launches, press releases and networking opportunities.  With this years event increasing in size by a 10% since it was staged in the Netherlands last year, its future appears to be in safe hands in this buoyant market.

“..Semia is a long time distributor of the Powervamp ground support equipment…”

This years Helitech exhibition brought together over 3,000 buyers and over 150 international exhibitors including 4 major OEMs to network, learn and do business.  The exhibition also offered a full representation of the rotorcraft supply chain comprising of aircraft interiors, avionics and navigation systems as well as communication equipment, night vision, engines and leasing options.

Helitech International 2019 will be held at a new venue – the Farnborough International Conference and Business Centre

The Powervamp aviation DC sales team travelled to Amsterdam to support long time French distributor, Semia, at this exhibition.  Semia was founded in 1986 and is located in Cergy-Pontoise, on the outskirts of Paris – near Charles-De-Gaulle airport.

The company specialises in the development and manufacture of its own range of products for the measurement of vibration on all aircraft and prides itself on its large in-house research and development facility.

“..this years exhibition offered a great opportunity to speak directly with visitors about the new ground power units…”

Semia has also been a loyal distributor of the Powervamp ground support equipment, particularly the 28V DC product lines, and has developed a strong market in France through exhibitions, customer visits and consistent marketing activities.

A large amount of ‘real’ GSE was displayed allowing visitors to appreciate the compact size and quality of the products

Powervamp has worked alongside Semia at a number of European exhibitions and offers product and technical support to further grow the brand and discuss the latest Powervamp product developments.  Helitech International was no exception with the latest generation ground power units and power supplies being displayed, and onsite training given to the Semia sales team in-between fielding the various visitor inquiries.

“..Powervamp kit was also in use by some well known manufacturers – thats got to be the best endorsement…?”

The expo has always proved popular and draws a diverse international clientele – this year was no different with a substantial amount of inquiries taken over the 3 days.  DC Sales Manager, Phil Horn, was in attendance and commented,

“This years exhibition offered a great opportunity to speak directly with visitors about the new ground power units.  It also allows us to get first hand feedback on products already out in the field to understand how they are being used, or if there is a gap in the market for a new GPU.”

Airbus was just one of a number of exhibitors utilising their own Powervamp ground power units to power display helicopters

Phil continues, “Powervamp kit was also in use by some well known manufacturers, such as Airbus and Kopter to power their helicopters on display – thats got to be the best endorsement?”

As the DC sales team return to the UK, it just remains for the inquiries to be followed up, quotes composed before the preparations are made for the next exhibition.

All Powervamp ground power units are included in our latest aviation brochure which can be viewed HERE, alternatively they can be viewed on line HERE.

The Semia range of aviation vibration equipment can be viewed on their own website HERE.

 

 

 

1. Powervamp

The Powervamp aviation sales team will shortly be joining their dedicated US distributor, AERO Specialties, at next weeks NBAA Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, (NBAA-BACE), being held at the Orange County Convention Centre, Florida.

The exhibition is billed as the world’s largest and most important business aviation event and ranks as the sixth largest tradeshow in the U.S.A.

The NBAA convention is an ideal vehicle to promote the Powervamp / AERO Specialties brand whilst gaining access to over 25,000 industry professionals. Attendees of NBAA-BACE are decision makers, buyers and influential personnel from companies at the heart of business aviation and are generally influenced by the products and trends witnessed during this 3 day event.

AERO Specialties, who recently returned from the very successful International Airport GSE Expo, held in Las Vegas last week, will be ready to attack the business aviation market with an impressive mix of GSE products – and all in their trademark blue and orange livery.

Well proven product lines such as the latest generation AERO Specialties JetGo 600mti-ri GPU and TLD TMX-TTV aircraft towing tractor will be on display, as well as the patent pending ‘Safe Lav‘ lavatory service cart.

Complimenting the AERO Specialties line up will be a range of Powervamp designed, and manufactured, equipment including the PV45 400Hz MEGP, TRU-28 transformer rectifier unit and the revolutionary JetGo 300 28V DC diesel ground power unit.

The JetGo 300, (formerly known as the Coolspool Hybrid 300) is a 28V DC ground power unit, designed for use in aircraft hangars, congested ramps and busy gate areas where space is limited.  Powered by a tier 4 emission compliant 3-cylinder water-cooled Kubota diesel engine, the JetGo 300 is the latest model of Powervamp’s compact low cost diesel GPU.

Developed for use by DC aircraft operators and FBOs, all or whom require continuous ripple free power during maintenance work in the hangar or on the ramp during turn-rounds, no other GPU delivers the versatility and convenience of Powervamp’s Coolspool Hybrid 300.

AERO Specialties have historically enjoyed a great response from this important business aviation exhibition, and this years show should be no different.

Visit stand 5076 and find out why AERO Specialties are the No1 distributer of all GSE equipment, including the Powervamp product lines.  Alternatively, you can visit them online at www.aerospecialties.com or call +1.208.378.9889 to chat with the team.

 

 

1. Powervamp

The Powervamp sales and marketing depts. have recently returned from last weeks International Airport GSE Expo held in Las Vegas.  The expo boasts the largest collection of aviation GSE, (ground support equipment), and exhibitors in the world during the 3 day event.

Manufacturers showcased their latest GSE equipment from lavatory carts to automated luggage handling systems in the grounds of the Rio All-Suite and Casino Hotel, Las Vegas.

The AERO Specialties stand generated great interest over the 3 day expo, particularly with the grand power units

Powervamp was in attendance supporting US distributor, AERO Specialties, for the duration of the show, particularly the recent additions to the AERO GSE range – the PV designed and manufactured  JetGo300 (formerly Coolspool Hybrid 300), PV45, TRU28 and Coolspool 410 all in AERO blue and orange livery.

“…with the advent of the Powervamp brand we are excited to have these increased offerings to offer the full line of GPUs…”

The expo offered an excellent showcase for the full range of equipment with the stand regularly becoming crowded during the busy lunchtime periods.  The new JetGo300 drew considerable attention from its prime location in the front product line, and complimented the well proven JetGo product range.

The large range of GSE equipment on display showed visitors the true diversity of the AERO brand

The JetGo300 is a 28V DC ground power unit designed for use in aircraft hangars, congested ramps and busy gate areas where space is limited. Powered by a tier 4 emission compliant 3-cylinder water-cooled Kubota diesel engine, the JetGo300 is the latest model of Powervamp’s compact low cost diesel GPU.

Developed for use by DC aircraft operators and FBOs, all or whom require continuous ripple free power during maintenance work in the hangar or on the ramp during turn-rounds, no other GPU delivers the versatility and convenience of the JetGo300.

The AERO branded JetGo 600Mti-RJ, JetGo300, PV45 and TRU-28 looking looked shrinking in the Las Vegas sun

Matt Sheehan, AERO Specialties President, commented “With the advent of the Powervamp brand we are excited to have these increased offerings to offer the full line of GPUs“

The AERO Specialties staff are now back in Boise, however they will soon be back on the exhibition circuit when they attend next weeks NBAA-BACE business aviation convention in Orlando, Florida.  NBAA-EBACE is the world’s largest and most important business aviation event and is the perfect venue to promote to over 25,000 industry professionals.

The official International Airport GSE Expo video will be available on the Powervamp TV

& YouTube channels soon.

For more information on the AERO Specialties GPU product range, visit www.aerospecialties.com

 

1. Powervamp

The International Airport GSE Expo is the worlds largest exhibition dedicated to aviation ground support equipment (GSE). The expo is held every 2 years at the Rio All Suites Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas.  The 3 day event, (2nd-4th October), will play host to 200+ exhibitors over 65,000+ sq ft of floor space.

The expo offers an excellent opportunity for industry professional to network whilst checking out the latest airport technology and services.  With the 2016 expo being sold out, and the venue already booked for 2020, the organisers are confident that this will become a firm date in the aviation calendar.

Powervamp USA distributor, AERO Specialties, will be present at the expo with a selection of their large range of GSE on display.  The Idaho based company will be showcasing a broad range of products from their patent pending LC11E lavatory cart to their flagship JetGo 600, 28V DC hybrid ground power unit.

Also on display will be the latest AERO Specialties branded Powervamp ground power units – including the Coolspool 410 28V DC battery cart and the PV45 400Hz frequency converter.  The recently renamed AERO JetGo 300, (formerly Coolspool Hybrid 300), will also be present in the striking AERO Specialties corporate orange and blue livery.

The JetGo 300 ground power unit is designed to provide continuous power for avionics and to start the engines on all DC turbine and turboprop aircraft by using its fully Tier IV compliant 3-cylinder, water-cooled Kubota diesel engine.

JetGo 300 users will benefit from a compact unit, user friendly all weather controls and very low operating costs, with the further advantage of low dBA signature and reduced CO2 emissions. Its quite normal for a diesel ground power unit (GPU) four times the size of the JetGo to deliver the same peak amperage for starting large turbines.

Powervamp staff will also be in attendance to offer sales support, product training and technical assistance on the new range of AERO branded products.

Visit stand 629 to view the latest ground support equipment and discuss your own airport requirements with the sales team.

 

1. Powervamp

Powervamp Portapump and the LAPD Air Support Division.

The Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Division (ASD) is the airborne law enforcement division of the LAPD. It’s the largest airborne law enforcement organization in the United States and operates from the LAPD Hooper Heliport.

Established in 1956 and originally devoted to aerial traffic enforcement, it has grown to support a wide variety of police activity. Today, its operations are divided between Air Support To Regular Operations (ASTRO) and Special Flight Section (SFS).

“…an antiquated pump and separate compressor and could take as long as 40 minutes (to de-fuel 50 %)…”

The ASD motto is ‘The mission is the same, only the vehicle has changed’ and currently operates 19 aircraft from the largest municipal police aviation unit in the world, in addition to having the world’s largest roof-top airport and world’s busiest heliport.

The LAPD Hooper Heliport is the worlds largest rooftop airport located between Chinatown and Downtown Los Angeles.

The department consists of around 88 officers and 19 helicopters including 2 x Bell 206B3 JetRangers, 10 x Eurocopter AS-350B2 A Stars, 4 x Airbus H125 and a Bell 407s and Beachcraft King Air 200.  The helicopters are kept 95% fuelled at all times and are prepared for routine patrol mission assignments.

The LAPD Air Support Division also work very closely with SWAT, (special weapons and tactics), and are responsible for deploying them into potentially life threatening environments as fast as possible to ensure the public is protected in the event of a dangerous situation occurring.

“…Police Captain, Sean Parker, recognised the importance of a faster fuel system…”

Prior to a SWAT deployment the helicopters are fitted with external benches for officer transportation, and subsequently required to de-fuel by 50% to compensate for the additional 227kgs (500lbs) weight of 2 x fully kitted officers. The de-fuelling exercise used to be carried out with an antiquated pump and separate compressor and could take as long as 40 minutes to remove enough jet A1 to facilitate a safe take-off.

The Powervamp Portapump is relied upon to safely fuel and de-fuel all the LAPD helicopters, such as this Airbus A125.

However, it was during an incident in May 2017 that the de-fuelling process came under serious scrutiny.  Local law enforcement had been called to an address in the Sunland district of Los Angeles district where an intruder had armed himself with a gun belonging to one of the residents of the property that had been broken into.  Upon realising the serious of the situation, the Police had backed off and requested immediate support from the SWAT team.

“…Malachi was impressed with its portability, compact design and ability to filter fuel to 5 microns…”

With all helicopters fuelled and ready for routine patrols, the de-fuelling process could have resulted in a substantial delay in take off with potentially disastrous consequences had an Eurocopter not been returning to the air support division from a routine service – with 1/2 tank of fuel.

The SWAT team were able to secure the external benches and facilitate a quick turnaround which resulted in them taking control of the situation upon arrival and eventually bringing it to a satisfactory conclusion following a 5hr stand-off.

LAPD pilots appreciate the convenience of the Portapump allowing them to facilitate the fast deployment of the SWAT teams.

Despite the successful mission, experienced Police Instructor Pilot Sean Malachi vocalised his concerns over the de-fuelling procedure and insisted the department research alternative fuelling / de-fueling systems.  Police Captain, Sean Parker, also recognised the importance of a faster fuel system and authorised the procurement of a replacement pump.

“…the Portapump system has solved what you would think would be a not so difficult problem…”

Malachi found the Powervamp Portapump whilst searching online and was impressed with its portability, compact design and ability to filter fuel to 5 microns with water separation to less than 2 parts per million.  The Portapump can also be powered from any 24V-28V DC supply, or GPU, which meant it didn’t require power cables being dragged out over the heliport each time it was required.

An enquiry was made through Powervamp US distributer, AERO Specialties, and after working closely with Tony Cale and Seth Stansell to ensure the Portapump met the required criteria, as well as Powervamp’s US aviation consultant, Brian Clear, to facilitate the exchange of information from US to UK, an order was placed.

The stainless steel Portapump MK3 can deliver 100ltrs per minute whilst filtering to 5 microns.

The Portapump has now been in service for several months and has proven itself on numerous occasions already.  A bespoke mobile frame was constructed to house the pump and batteries making de-fuelling even quicker, and safer, for the LAPD Air Support Division.

Finally, Pilot Sean Malachi comments,

“The Portapump system has solved what you would think would be a not so difficult problem. Removing fuel an aircraft and doing it quickly isn’t typical in aviation. We were in need of a system that would remove fuel from an aircraft quickly and do it without any other separate supporting parts or systems necessary for its function.

The Portapump has solved this by allowing us to do it at a much greater rate than our previous system. We have to be ready at a moments notice to respond quickly and effectively. Using this system will get us there faster ultimately doing what we swore to do, protect and serve.”

Our thanks to Police Instructor Pilot Sean Malachi of the LAPD Air Support Division

in his assistance in creating this article.

 

For more information on the Powervamp Portapump – visit our product page HERE.

 

 

 

 

1. Powervamp

 

Powervamp was recently invited to contribute to a feature within the Autumn edition of Airside International magazine. This informative article highlights the more environmentally friendly ground support equipment (GSE) on the ramp and explores the momentum behind the industries’ eventual willingness to get ‘green’ with their GSE.

Powervamp has a strong presence within the article due to their long-standing industry credentials, and continuous product development of the ‘green’ Coolspool range of ground support equipment.  However, as Sales Director, James Ackland explains, its the legislation that is driving the requirement for new green technology:

“The demand for more environmentally friendly equipment is increasing rapidly. Although on the face of it the requirement for ‘green power’ is being led by legislation, it is actually the economics of the environmentally friendly alternative that is driving the demand.”

The Coolspool 410, and innovative Coolspool Hybrid 300, are featured as examples of how cleverly engineered GPUs can save the customer money on the ramp whilst also being environmentally friendly.

 

The aviation industry mindset has changed over recent years to become more socially and environmentally responsible 

Coolspool 410

1. Powervamp

Powervamp’s aviation division is always actively sourcing new distributors to assist in its worldwide product distribution.  One company that recently contacted the aviation team regarding representing Powervamp is Safomar Aviation.

Safomar Aviation was registered in 1987 in Gauteng, South Africa and entered the aviation market by distributing aircraft paint and brokering spare parts into the local market.

“…the aviation division has enjoyed some considerable growth over recent years and has expanded its operation…”

The company is the aviation arm of a much larger company, Safomar Holdings, which is made up of 9 companies offering a wide range of products and services including Eastman engine turbine oils and fluids, Goodyear aircraft tyres, Phillips Piston oils, Helitune dynamic balancing equipment, Dynanav navigation equipment, PPG coatings, sealants and aircraft windows. The company also owns and operates multiple rotary and fixed wing aircraft.

The Safomar Group employs 177 staff across 9 separate companies based within the aviation industry

The aviation division has enjoyed some considerable growth over recent years and has expanded its operation to include fixed and rotor wing aircraft sales as well as engines, APUs, pool agreements, consignment management and component repairs.

“…the company is still keen to retain a ‘hands-on’ approach to servicing its customers requirements…”

Today the Safomar Group now employs 177 personnel across the entire company, of which 45 staff are employed full time by Safomar Aviation directly. The internal sales team is made up of 6 staff with a further 10 staff assisting within the dedicated customer support team.  The remainder of the team is made up of management, stores personnel and drivers.

The company also owns a number of rotary and fixed wing aircraft, which are serviced using the high quality components and lubricants stocked for re-sell, such as Goodyear Tyres, Phillips Piston oils and Helitune dynamic balancing equipment.

The Safomar Aviation website offers a slick insight into the achievements of the last 31 years

Although not a manufacturer, Safomar Aviation has built a strong business model based upon management and reselling.  However, the company is still keen to retain a ‘hands-on’ approach to servicing its customers requirements and carries out fixed and rotor wing maintenance in their two maintenance hangers based at Grand Central Airport, Johannesburg.

“…Safomar Aviation is confident that the future for both companies is looking extremely positive…”

Safomar Aviation and Powervamp started working together in late 2017 having signed a distribution agreement covering a number of the African countries and the Islands.

The company initially concentrated on promoting the smaller DC ground power units due to the regular enquiries from regional operators, but has more recently received interest for the 400Hz airport equipment.

Powervamp will be supporting Safomar Aviation at the AAD exhibition held in South Africa later this year

With the African market continuing to grow, and the close working relationship with Powervamp over a number of projects and exhibitions, Safomar Aviation is confident that the future for both companies is looking extremely positive.

Safomar Aviation will be supported by Powervamp at the upcoming AAD 2018 (African Air Defence) exhibition from 19th-23rd September, Air Force Base Waterkloof, South Africa.

For more information on Safomar Aviation visit their website HERE,

or contact their sales team on +27 (0) 11 397 6260

 

If this wasn’t what you were looking for, contact our experts today on 01934 623000 or take a browse of our website to answer your most asked questions, including how does a static frequency converter work  or what is a ground power unit.

 

1. Powervamp

Founded in 1963 with a profit-oriented business model, Hapimag has more recently adopted a more co-operative model and become one of Europe’s most successful time-share providers. Its 130,000+ shareholders and members can now choose from over 5000 holiday apartments in around 60 resorts in the most beautiful locations in Europe, the USA, Turkey and Morocco.

“…the exterior of this once majestic building had started to show its age…”

The Hapimag Resort London is a listed Victorian palace set in the centrally located, and very stylish, Bayswater region within the capital. The building was built at 23 – 26 Lancaster Gate in 1864 and is located in the direct vicinity of Hyde Park, making it ideally positioned to visit local attractions such as Tate Modern, London Eye and the West End.

The magnificent Hapimag Resort London set new levels in stylish city accommodation 

Today the Hapimag Resort London comprises of of 44 luxury holiday apartments, however the exterior of this once majestic building had started to show its age.  In a bold move, it was decided to close the famous London resort to facilitate the much needed renovations, both internally as well as externally.

“…Powervamp provided an EF20 Central Battery System rated at 12Kva as well as a large number of Si-Com changeover relays…”

The famous building will close for a total of 12 months whilst the thorough renovation takes place. The work originally started in June 2017 with an anticipated re-opening in Autumn 2018, but it was during the initial planning process that Powervamp became involved with the project.

In April 2018 Powervamp was invited to quote for the supply and installation of an Emergency Lighting Central Battery System after a competitors design was deemed too complicated.

The simplified design was approved and Powervamp provided an EF20 Central Battery System rated at 12Kva as well as a large number of Si-Com changeover relays.  The Si-Com relay facilitates the switching between the normal 240V AC supply and the central battery system supply without becoming out of phase or arcing.

“…the electrical contractor involved with this prestigious project was impressed with (Powervamp’s) fast response times…”

The EF20 will provide emergency lighting throughout the building, including the concourse and multiple stairways.  As with all emergency lighting central battery systems, the equipment must conform with the stringent industry regulations, particularly BS EN 50171:2001.  This standard specifies the general requirements for central power supply systems for an independent energy supply to essential safety equipment.

The huge renovation is expected to take 12 months to complete with an anticipated re-opening in October 2018

The electrical contractor involved with this prestigious project was impressed with the fast response times, a well thought through simplified design and constant support throughout the installation process and as a direct result has added Powervamp to their preferred suppliers directory.  The commissioning of the EF20 will take place within the next few weeks.

The planned re-opening of the Hapimag Resort London is due towards the end of summer, just in time for their 20-year anniversary in October.  The entire resort will have been restored and renovated in a way that maintains all its historic charm, but with a modern twist.

Additional wet rooms, state of the art bathrooms, air-conditioning and dishwasher facilities will have been added to offer a contemporary feel to these unique holiday apartments and will ensure many thousands of visitors continue to enjoy the sites and sounds of the Capital whilst staying at the Hapimag Resort London.

 

If this wasn’t what you were looking for, contact one of our experts to discuss your power solution needs. Many people ask what’s a static frequency converter or how does a ground power unit work, we’ll be more than happy to answer your queries.

For more information on Powervamp’s Emergency Lighting Central Battery Systems,

contact the sales office on 01934 643000 or email sales@powervamp.com

Alternatively, download our latest brochure HERE

1. Powervamp

Coolspool Power – For most aircraft operators, ground power is simply a necessary evil. It adds nothing to the status of aircraft in which billions of dollars are invested in order to reduce seat mile costs through fuel efficiency or increased capacity.

Yet, without reliable ground power, the impact on airlines can vary, from minor passenger inconvenience and flight deck issues to the catastrophic, such as the inability to start engines and subsequent flight cancellation. Add to this escalating inconvenience costs, all the way up to accommodation and associated expense.

In between these extremes lie a variety of issues, the impact of which can affect despatch reliability or add to fuel burn costs through an APU’s continuous operation during turnarounds. As for the flight deck crew, the ground handlers, the airports and the airline management, as long as ground power works, that’s all that matters. But with margins under pressure as never before, operators are being forced to maximise efficiencies in every area.

 

1. Powervamp

1. Powervamp

 

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Selecting the correct model of GPU can sometimes be a confusing task. It’s essential that the GPU you select for starting turbines and for providing sufficient power for pre-flight checks, provides the performance and product lifespan that you need. Powervamp is a world-renowned ground power unit manufacturer for the aviation industry since 1993. We’re also experts in providing services like emergency lighting products and aircraft static inverters.

The following checklist has been specifically designed to assist Powervamp customers with their GPU selection. Of course, Powervamp’s technical support department or appointed distributors will also be pleased to offer advice in helping you select the correct GPU.

Index

• • Portable GPU’s
  • Battery Ramp carts
  • Hybrid Ramp carts
  • Power Supplies

 

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Need help to start your 12V aircraft?

12V GA Pack. Perfect for starting all 12V DC piston engines.

Features: 2400 peak amps Sealed lead acid AGM batteries Cleared for air transportation External charger with LED status Tough polyethylene case 3 LED battery charge status USB socket for phone/tablet charging Output key isolator switch

 

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Operating a small airfield?

12/24 GA Pack. Ideal for all 12V & 24V DC piston engines and small turbines. Can also be used on airfield support vehicles.

Features: 2400 peak amps Sealed lead acid AGM batteries Cleared for air transportation External charger with LED status Tough polyethylene case 3 LED battery charge status USB socket for phone/tablet charging External 750A output fuse

 

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Is the pack for emergency use only?

GPU1700.  A GPU with minimum capacity may be sufficient, as it is unlikely to encounter intense usage.

Features: 1700 peak amps Sealed lead acid AGM batteries Cleared for air transportation Internal chargers with LED status All-welded stainless steel case Solid state voltmeter Auxiliary socket for charging Security ‘R’ clip isolator lock

 

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Running a flight training school?

GPU1700 Twin.  Built for multiple starts on light aircraft such as the Cessna 175. Perfect for the first start of the day.

Features: 3400 peak amps Sealed lead acid AGM batteries Cleared for air transportation Internal chargers with LED status All-welded stainless steel case Solid state voltmeter Auxiliary socket for charging Security ‘R’ clip isolator lock

 

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Will the GPU be used for programming/pre-flight checks before spool-up?

GPU2400.  Allow additional amp/hr capacity to ensure a cool start.

Features: 2450 peak amps Sealed lead acid AGM batteries Cleared for air transportation Internal chargers with LED status All-welded stainless steel case Solid state voltmeter Auxiliary socket for charging Security ‘R’ clip isolator lock

 

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Offshore platform or heli-deck?

GPU2400 Twin. Best option for the variety of large twin engine helicopters utilised in this sector.

Features: 4900 peak amps Sealed lead acid AGM batteries Cleared for air transportation Internal chargers with LED status All-welded stainless steel case Solid state voltmeter Auxiliary socket for charging Security ‘R’ clip isolator lock

 

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Will the pack be carried on board?

Coolspool 17.  You’ll need to consider the weight of the unit, but beware of reducing weight at the cost of performance.

Features: 1600 peak amps Sealed lead acid AGM batteries Cleared for air transportation Internal chargers with LED status Light aluminium case with carry handle Solid state voltmeter Auxiliary/accessory socket Available in 26V or 28V DC versions

 

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Large twin turbine engine?

Coolspool 29.  Increased performance when compared to a 24V DC unit, resulting in cooler starts.

Features: 2400 peak amps Sealed lead acid AGM batteries Cleared for air transportation Internal chargers with LED status Aluminium case with carry handle Solid state voltmeter Auxiliary/accessory socket Available in 26V or 28V DC versions

 

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Multiple starts or pre-flight checks required?

Coolspool 29 Twin.  Provides high performance, and with a 52 amp/hour capacity makes it an independent power source.

Features: 4800 peak amps Sealed lead acid AGM batteries Cleared for air transportation Internal chargers with LED status Aluminium case with carry handle Solid state voltmeter Auxiliary/accessory socket Available in 26V or 28V DC versions

 

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Will the GPU be used for regular avionics or maintenance work?

GPU1500/40.  Batteries are not designed for the continuous powering of avionics. Consider a GPU with internal power supply.

Features: 2400 peak amps Sealed lead acid AGM batteries Cleared for air transportation Dual internal chargers with LED status 40A continuous power supply Aluminium case with carry handle Solid state voltmeter Auxiliary/accessory socket

 

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Is engine free turbine or shaft turbine/turboprop?

GPU1500/40 Twin.  Longer spool-up times of shaft turbines will require more amp/hr capacity.

Features: 4800 peak amps Sealed lead acid AGM Batteries cleared for air transportation Dual internal chargers with LED status 80A continuous power supply Aluminium case with carry handle Solid state voltmeter Auxiliary/accessory sockets

 

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Will the GPU be used as the main ramp/hangar GPU on multiple operations?

Coolspool 130.  It’s best to extend the GPU life with extra amp/hour capacity.

Features: 4000 peak amps Sealed lead acid AGM batteries Cleared for air transportation 75A / 28V DC continuous power supply Solid state ammeter Solid state voltmeter Removable tow arm Heavy duty push/pull isolator

 

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Is the GPU required for regular compressor washing?

Coolspool 260.  It’s likely the battery will need replacing regularly if using a small pack.

Features: 8000 peak amps Sealed lead acid AGM batteries Cleared for air transportation 75A / 28V DC continuous power supply Solid state ammeter Solid state voltmeter Removable tow arm Heavy duty push/pull isolator

 

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How many engine starts are required before the GPU can be re-charged?

Coolspool 410.  Starts require amp/hr capacity to maintain volts. More starts require more amp/hr capacity and more weight, and therefore a larger cart.

Features: 4700 peak amps Sealed lead acid AGM batteries Cleared for air transportation 75A / 28V DC continuous power supply Solid state voltmeter Solid state ammeter Removable tow arm Heavy duty push/pull isolator

 

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No mains electrical supply?

Coolspool Hybrid 300.  This unit combines a diesel driven 300A power supply for continuous use & 4 x 225A batteries for engine starts.  It can also be connected to a suitable mains power supply for silent operation in the hangar.

Features: 5000 peak amps 300A continuous current Support 24V/26V and 28.5V DC systems Instant turbine starting power exceeding 2000 amps Hangar feature without diesel operation Emission compliant Kubota engine 110V/230V 50/60Hz power outlet -20 to +50°C operating range

 

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Need 14V or 28V hangar power for maintenance & avionics updates?

PS30.  With its 14/28V DC switchable capabilities, this power supply will power the majority of light aircraft, including small/medium sized helicopters.

Features: 30A at 14V DC / 28V DC continuous power Solid state voltmeter Protective jacket included Short circuit / current limit protection Mains on/off switch Power supply LED status indicators Rubber, anti-slip, shock absorbent feet Light aluminium case with handle

 

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PS50M.  Alternatively the PS50 is the ideal solution for the majority of light aircraft, including small/medium sized helicopters.

Features: 50A / 28V DC continuous power Solid state voltmeter Protective jacket included Short circuit / current limit protection Mains on/off switch Power supply LED status indicators Rubber, anti-slip, shock absorbent feet Light aluminium case with handle

 

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PS100. For larger aircraft choose the more powerful 100A power supply.

Features: 100A / 28V DC continuous power Solid state voltmeter Solid state ammeter Short circuit / current limit protection 28V DC accessory socket Power supply LED status indicators Rubber, anti-slip, shock absorbent feet

 

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PS300.  For aircraft with air conditioning, and other power hungry requirements, the PS300 ideal.

Features: 300A / 28V DC continuous power Solid state voltmeter Solid state ammeter Lightweight aluminium case with handle Short circuit / current limit protection Emergency stop push button Power supply LED status indicators Rubber, anti-slip, shock absorbent feet

 

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Still unsure on the correct GPU?

Allow our Ground Power Selector to make the choice for you.

Select the manufacturer and model of your aircraft. The Ground Power Selector will recommend the most suitable starter unit & power supply.

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Disclaimer
The information and data within this brochure regarding pack size, performance and engine models is given in good faith as a guide only. The company accepts no responsibility for errors and omissions. Selecting any portable GPU is not an exact science. It is a compromise between weight, size, necessary performance, recharge time, battery life and price. It should be noted that the life of the GPU is dependent on the level of discharge each time the GPU is used. The deeper the discharge, then the sooner will be the time when batteries need replacing. Where possible it is always preferable and more cost effective to buy a GPU with the maximum amp/hr capacity.

1. Powervamp

In one of the biggest single orders for Powervamp’s Coolspool range to date, the company is to supply 100 x Coolspool 260 battery ramp carts to the UK’s largest military organisation.

The carts will be deployed at airforce and naval bases around Britain and at selected UK bases around the world. They will be used to provide ground power for DC aircraft and helicopters such as the AgustaWestland Wildcat and the Britten-Norman Islander and Defender.

“..suitable for a wide range of applications requiring capacity for frequent starts, compressor washes or avionics use…”

Powervamp’s 28V DC Coolspool ramp carts are designed to replace diesel GPUs or fixed and semi-mobile transformer rectifier units (TRUs). These large, new generation, powerful, heavy-duty battery carts provide a combination of instant high amperage with pure DC wave form and full mobility, low initial investment and extremely low operating costs.

The Coolspool 260 was initially trialled on the AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat

Suitable for a wide range of applications, from small corporate jet and medium size helicopter operators and FBOs to large fleet operators or FBOs supporting multiple DC business aircraft and requiring more capacity for frequent starts, compressor washes or avionics use.

A combination of high-discharge maintenance-free AGM batteries, are connected in series to provide 130 Ah capacity. A second set of batteries is added in series to double the capacity to 260Ah.  Due to the sensitive FADEC, (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), safety software installed on certain aircraft, two versions of the Coolspool are available – 26V DC and 28V DC.

“…the new generation ramp carts (were trialled) inside various aircraft types, checking for ground clearances and stowage…”

FADEC is a system consisting of a digital computer, called an electronic engine controller (EEC) or engine control unit (ECU), and its related accessories control all aspects of aircraft engine performance – including starting.

Typically the Coolspool units will be recharged at night or during other quiet times and used to service and start each aircraft as required. The batteries suffer no “memory effect” problems, so will accept a ‘top-up’ charge at any time.

First Coolspool ramp carts, now in their military colours, are prepared for despatch

The Coolspool carts being supplied are built largely to standard COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) specification, but have some modifications to suit air transport and operations in a saline environment. They are able to operate at a temperature range of -30℃ to +50℃.

“.. the Coolspool range is a real alternative and is set to become a game changer within the world of GSE…”

The tri-service Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit (JADTEU) at Brize Norton trialled the new generation ramp carts inside various aircraft types, checking for ground clearances and stowage to allow safe operations with different ramp configurations and tie-down points, as well as conducting “fording” tests. A handbrake was also installed to allow safe operation in the vicinity of aircraft.

Powervamp Coolspool carts are in use with a growing number of worldwide FBOs, prove the days of the smoky diesel GPU are numbered

The military organisation specification required easy access via panels to all parts and systems requiring periodic inspection or preventive maintenance and although usually coloured yellow, for this contract the Coolspool units will be powder-coated in MOD green.

This recent order is just another in a succession of high profile procurements of the Coolspool DC carts and underlines a shift in the ethos surrounding GSE equipment and the need to consider a ‘green’ alternative to what was considered the industry standard – the diesel GPU.  The benefits of the DC battery carts, including the greatly reduced running costs, make the Coolspool range a real alternative and is set to become a game changer within the world of GSE.

 

If this isn’t what you’re looking for, get in touch with one of our experts who can provide further information on your power solution needs, including how does a static frequency converter work or what is a ground power unit.

For more information on Powervamp Coolspool ramp carts,

call +44 (0)1934 643000 or email sales@powervamp.com

 

1. Powervamp

MASUMA Aviation Parts specialise in the supply of a wide range of aviation products to the military, civil and commercial sectors.  The company started in Argentina in 1994 and soon expanded its operation to its Chile facility in 2011 where its now located at the Arturo Merino Benítez Airport in the city of Santiago.

“…MASUMA Aviation Parts believe strongly in the power of demonstrating first hand the ground support equipment…”

The company is authorised to represent a number of prestigious aviation companies including Goodyear Aviation Tyres, Pilatus Aircraft…and of course Powervamp.  The company also services the Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia territories.

The Powervamp Coolspool 17 astonished the pilots with its power to weight ratio

The 693²m Chile facility is even equipped with a wheel shop for tyre inspection and replacement and offers full aviation certification.  MASUMA Aviation Parts even offer extensive training courses on tyre care and maintenance aimed at aeroclubs, flight schools, aeronautic companies as well as the armed forces.

“…Helisav use their helicopters for a variety of different work including fighting forest fires…”

MASUMA Aviation Parts believe strongly in the power of demonstrating first hand the ground support equipment to their customers to show the quality, power and innovative design associated with the Powervamp range of GSE.

The Powervamp Coolspool 29 started the turbines 3 times and still had a significant amount of reserve power

One such customer that recently benefitted from a demonstration, was Helisav, a major helicopter operator based at Concon Airfield.  Concon spans an area of 76.0 km² (29 sq miles) and is located on the Pacific coast north of Reñaca.  Helisav use their helicopters for a variety of different work including fighting forest fires and agricultural duties and have clocked up an impressive 30,000 hrs of flying time.

“…the Pilots from Helisav were genuinely astonished at the compact size of both ground power units…”

The customer was unsure as to which ground power unit to choose, so a demonstration was arranged on a Bell 212  UH-1H helicopter at a private helipad on an avocado plantation in La Tetera – Quillota.

The demonstration took place with a Coolspool 17 and Coolspool 29 – both are lightweight 26V DC or 28V DC aircraft start units fitted with high powered sealed lead acid AGM batteries, solid-start voltmeters and are also cleared for air-transportation.

“…the Coolspool 29 easily started the turbine 3 times, and still had a considerable amount of reserve power …”

The Pilots from Helisav were genuinely astonished at the compact size of both ground power units. They were even more surprised when the smaller of the 2 units, the Coolspool17, started the turbine 3 times in a row.

MASUMA Aviation Parts have filmed numerous demonstrations to further promote Powervamp ground support equipment

The Coolspool 29 easily started the turbine 3 times too, but still had a considerable amount of power left within the cells for further starts on a single charge.

It was this feature, as well as the portability of ground power unit that eventually convinced the pilots that the Coolspool 29 was best suited to their application, and orders were placed soon after.

MASUMA Aviation Parts continue to actively promote the Powervamp range of aviation ground support equipment and post videos of the turbine starting on their YouTube page to enable other companies to appreciate the unique features of the Powervamp equipment.

Powervamp are experts in aviation power solutions so contact us today for information on our solutions, such as an explanation of a static frequency converter.

For more information on MASUMA Aviation Parts, you can visit their website HERE.

You can view the various MASUMA Aviation Parts videos on our Powervamp TV channel HERE.

 

1. Powervamp

The world-famous Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) has been held at the airfield in Farnborough, Hampshire since 1948 and over the decades has showcased many pioneering triumphs in aerospace.

“…Powervamp has once again been awarded the contract to provide ground power to aircraft in the static air park…”

Today the 7-day international Airshow continues to be a launch platform for aviation innovation and new aircraft and welcomes over 100,000 people through its gates every two years.

Alternating with the International Paris Airshow, The Farnborough International Airshow also hosts some 600 exhibitors and retailers as well as 150 aircraft displayed and daily flying displays.

Powervamp provided 28 of its PV90-3 400Hz frequency converters, as used by numerous UK international airports

Once again Powervamp was awarded the contract to provide ground power to aircraft in the static air park for the duration of the airshow and to also provide a large quantity of its airshow rental equipment.

“…(Powervamp has) a background of more than 24 years in the manufacture & supply of ground power equipment for the aviation industry worldwide…”

This equipment will include 28 x PV90-3 400Hz frequency converters, 13 x PS300 power supplies, 8 x 3-tonne air-conditioners, 6 x PV45 frequency converters, 3 x Nato 200 dual voltage DC jump-starters and a huge amount of 3-phase cable, extension leads and junction boxes.

Prestigious airframe manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, Embraer, Cessna and Pilatus were just some of the companies supported by Powervamp during the 7 day exhibition including 2 public days.

Regional airliners used the 28V DC PS300 to power the avionics suite, and 3-tonne air-conditioners to keep the aircraft cool

With a background of more than 24 years in the manufacture and supply of ground power equipment for the aviation industry worldwide, Powervamp has steadily developed its airshow and ground support rental business.

“…The Powervamp Airshow Team have to cater for these unexpected requests and keep a cool head…”

Seldom are manufacturers regular users of the products they produce, however Powervamp is the exception by offering its equipment to major international airshows including Paris, Singapore, India as well as Farnborough.

Powervamps experienced engineers are used to operating under the extreme conditions associated with the setting up of an airshow, and are regularly required to undertake complex power calculations.

The Powervamp Airshow Support Team worked long hours in unusually hot weather to ensure aircraft were powered on time

The team understand that set-up remains a ‘fluid’ situation, with many customers requesting last minute ground power equipment or air-conditioning..

The Powervamp Airshow Team have to cater for these unexpected requests and keep a cool head, even in this unusually hot weather.

However the factory trained team of engineers are used to working under these highly pressurised conditions and put in long hours to ensure all airframe manufacturers receive a 1st class service.

However, with FIA 2018 nothing more than a memory, thoughts turn to the planning required for the next big one…International Paris Airshow 2019.

 

For more information on the Powervamp Airshow Support Team, visit our dedicated page HERE.

For information on our range of aviation ground power units, visit our product pages HERE.

For any other queries, please email sales@powervamp.com

 

1. Powervamp

As a British manufacturer Powervamp stands by its various product lines offering cost-effective support and maintenance, to ensure maximum longevity on all products, including aircraft static inverters and ground power units.

Powervamp believes that the key to success is working with customers, to create a mutually beneficial partnership, which will hopefully lead to repeat business in the long-term.

“…Reut Airways operate a 24hr service utilising their fleet of Cessna Citation Mustang aircraft…”

Our service centres are fully equipped with calibrated measuring equipment and load-banks to ensure products are tested, and repaired to the highest standard. The team frequently travel the length of the UK offering this service however, sometimes they are required to travel slightly further afield…

The Coolspool Hybrid 300 is towed the 4km round trip to the Cessna up to 3 times a day

The Powervamp service engineers were recently required to visit a customer in Israel that was experiencing issues with their Coolspool Hybrid 300.

The engineers visited Reut Airways based at the main airport, (Ben Gurion), situated 12 miles to the south east of Tel Aviv. The airport is the main international airport of Israel and the busiest in the country – last year it handled in excess of 20.8 million passengers.

“…despite the punishing 35C+ temperatures, the Powervamp team also delivered an extensive training program…”

Reut Airways operate a 24hr service utilising their fleet of 2010 Cessna Citation Mustang aircraft.  The company offer a VIP travel experience and have connections with other providers to offer an additional range of bespoke package deals including hotel, apartment, guide, car and driver and drivers.

The remote location means the Hybrid unit is ideal for providing power for the  pre-flight check and avionics programming

The Coolspool Hybrid 300 is used between 2-3 times daily to power the Cessna for pre-flight checks, run the air-conditioning and turbine starts.

A recent electrical modification in the Reut Airways hanger had resulted in the service team being requested to modify the Coolspool Hybrid 300 from a 200V AC, 3-phase input to a 400V AC, 3-phase input.

“…this brief visit to Reut Airways underlines the importance of being able to react quickly and professionally to a customers request…”

During the 4 day visit, and despite the daily 4km round trip to the Cessna in punishing 35℃+ temperatures, the Powervamp team also delivered an extensive training program to show the ground crew how to maintain and service the Hybrid unit to maximise its service life.

Despite the punishing 35℃ temperature, the Hybrid unit regularly provides 1300A  to the Cessna aircraft

At the end of the service visit the Reut Airways ground crew were up to speed with the general operation of the Coolspool Hybrid 300 and the hanger had also been inspected and tested to ensure it complied with the Hybrids charging requirements.

This brief, albeit critical visit, to Reut Airways underlines the importance of being able to react quickly and professionally to a customers request – and the importance of customer support, no matter where they are in the world.

If you have a GPU power, or servicing requirement, please contact our aviation technical service team on 01934 643000, or email us at sales@powervamp.com

 

 

 

1. Powervamp

Powervamp is supported in over 60 countries by its network of hand picked distributors and re-sellers.  This network promotes the aviation product lines through exhibitions, product training, demonstrations and concentrated marketing activities and has played an integral part in expanding Powervamp sales and brand awareness. This includes Powervamp’s range of aircraft static inverter, ground power units and battery jump starters.

One of Powervamp’s long time European distributors is Germany based Telemeter Electronic GmbH.

“…Telemeter Electronic continues to grow to meet the increasing demand in after sales service…”

Telemeter Electronic GmbH specialises in a comprehensive range of electronic and mechatronic components, devices and systems, as well as detailed product knowledge and has amassed many years of experience in a wide variety of applications.

The large Telemeter Electronic facility is located in Donauworth, Germany and is home to their five core divisions

Frank Schrottle founded the company in Munich in 1964, however it soon outgrew its premises and relocated to Donauworth in 1968 and then again just a few miles away to even larger premises in 1996.

Telemeter Electronic continues to grow and in 2011 the company expanded its logistics centre before recently expanding its engineering and service departments to meet the increasing demand for after sales service.

“…Powervamp has worked very closely with Telemeter Electronic over the many years of partnership…”

The company now has 70 members of staff including 15 trainees being taught in 5 different company sectors – Thermo Management, RF & Microwaves, Test & Measurement, Industrial Components and Aviation.

Telemeter Electronics GMBH currently employ 70 members of staff across their various divisions

Telemeter Electronic also provides a graduate training scheme whereby it offers qualified employees jobs within office management, warehouse logistics and media design and print.  The scheme has proved very successful with over 70 graduates having successfully passed through the scheme since it first started.

“…the Telemeter Electronic sales team took full advantage of  the 400Hz training…”

Powervamp has worked very closely with Telemeter Electronic over the many years of partnership and has supported them at a number of key exhibitions including ILA Berlin, Inter-Airport Europe and Aero-Friedrichshafen.  The end result of this support is a much closer working relationship between the two companies due to the concentrated hands approach with product training and technical support.

The time invested by both companies has proven highly successful with a significant upturn in general aviation enquiries being received in both countries.

Telemeter Electronic recently visited the main Powervamp aviation production facility in Barton le Clay, Bedfordshire to receive product training on the latest DC ground power units, as well as given an introduction to the AC 400Hz product range.

The complete range of Powervamp ground support equipment is profiled on the Telemeter Electronic GMBH website

The visit also included consultation with Powervamp’s engineering team to discuss future joint R&D projects.  A number of projects with Powervamps Airport Sales Manager, Laila Engler, are currently in progress.

The Telemeter Electronic sales team took full advantage of the 400Hz training and embraced the opportunity to approach larger European airports with Powervamp supporting them in these new campaigns.

With the future looking very positive for both companies, the continued partnership between Telemeter and Powervamp is key to the future growth of both their respective markets.

For any further information on Telemeter Electronic, please contact them HERE

 

 

 

 

 

1. Powervamp

 

1. Powervamp

Powervamp Chairman and Founder, Richard Roller, was recently interviewed by Darren Wood from Somerset based Business Leader Magazine.  The feature was designed to inform the magazines readers about the pressures and pitfalls experienced during a new business start-up, and how to maintain sales despite constant competition.

The following is a direct transcript of the interview, however the original article can be found HERE.

 

Powervamp came into existence by an unusual route. Its founder Richard Roller was sales director at a Bristol based manufacturer of recovery vehicles, subsequently bought by a competitor. Although retaining his position as sales director of the now much larger business, he didn’t like the direction in which it was being driven.

In July 1993, he resigned from his secure position, initially forming a consultancy business, called Richard Roller Associates, specialising in technical, commercial and marketing support to the recovery industry. 

However, during the 18 months before resigning he battled head to head against French competitor, Jige International, winning a highly prestigious £1.3m exclusive contract to supply all the emergency recovery vehicles and equipment for the UK and French channel tunnel terminals at Folkestone (UK) and Sangatte (France) which in 1993 was nearing completion.

One problem which required a novel solution was how to quickly start a car with a flat battery that was inside the shuttle, not easily accessible and without delaying the train schedule. The answer was a small portable battery pack that used high powered battery technology from the aircraft industry.

A few test sales to car dealerships in the Bristol area quickly confirmed that the sales and revenue opportunities were far greater with this product than with a one-man consultancy and so after 6 months, Richard Roller Associates became Powervamp Ltd. 

BLM spoke with Richard about the rise of the firm, challenges it has faced and what the future holds.  

  “Powervamp, (an amalgam from the “Power = Volts x Amps” formula), was incorporated in January 1994  and Powervamp Ltd was started with £3,000 of capital and one product – a 12 volt portable battery pack.

With an office at home and assembly from a single lock up garage at the back of the local car sales firm in Winscombe, Somerset…..production began.”

 Can you talk to us about the initial plan and how it changed over time?

  “The initial plan was to develop a range of products for the car and commercial vehicle industry, which up to that time relied on jump leads or old truck batteries in supermarket trolleys. What we offered transformed businesses throughout the country by saving time, costs and improving safety.

It quickly became apparent that this type of portable product was required by any fleet user involved with engine starting. Bus garages, truck dealerships, heavy construction plant, new and used car sales, postal depots, bakeries, police workshops. The list was endless.

“…even today, the product and reputation are still considered the best in the industry…”

As with many new businesses, we were undercapitalised so initial growth was slow and organic. I made the critical decision not to sell most of his shares in exchange for major inward funding but to bring in a single investor and continue to control the business.

In hindsight, there is no doubt that had heavy investment been made at that stage, sales and revenue would have rocketed. The product however was an adaptation of existing technology and could not be patented.

Copies of the product soon started to appear, none as good, but most were cheaper and from the Far East. The result was ever increasing pressure on prices.”

 How did you combat this and stay ahead of the competition?

  “It was here that the extensive hands-on experience by the founder of demonstrating and using his product paid off.

While most companies would respond by reducing their price, we improved its quality and performance further and maintained it high prices.

What all the competition failed to recognise was that the product was subject to user abuse at all levels, which with a battery based product, was very difficult to prove. With competitor margins small, they could never absorb the cost of multiple warranty claims. The result was customer dissatisfaction leading to many competitors ceasing to trade, or with some motor factors, no longer stocking the imported product.

“…it was immediately apparent that the aviation industry also had a major requirement too…”

The big professional operators including Volvo, DAF, Mercedes, Iveco trucks and local councils with big fleets of gritters, refuse wagons etc, quickly rejected the cheaper and unreliable products, buying our products for its quality and performance. (Even today, the product and reputation are still considered the best in the industry).

Rather than being a one trick pony like the a George Forman grill or Breville toaster which I initially feared would be the case had the company launched into mass production, I soon recognised that if Powervamp was to survive it had to widen its customer base away from the vehicle markets where it was under increasing pressure on margins due to copycat products.”

 How did you go about widening your customer base?

  “I was about to demonstrate a 24V pack to Fyffes bananas Transport Manager at their Bridgwater depot when I received a call from the fleet manager of West midlands police on my mobile phone asking if the pack I supplied for a 24V horse box would also start a police helicopter.

After a quick check with their pilot and a visit to the helicopter at Birmingham airport with a hastily concocted pack, it was immediately apparent that the aviation industry also had a major requirement too.

“…the key to the company’s successful growth has been high quality, excellent product support…”

I quickly re-designed the automotive 24V pack for aviation. I recognised that quality and performance were critical, but also that the aviation industry were prepared to pay a premium for this level of equipment and from there sales grew as a range of aviation packs and related products were developed”.

 Talk to me about the company’s growth, how have you achieved this?

  “The key to the company’s successful growth has been high quality, excellent product support, and the fact that I was at the forefront, demonstrating, selling, designing and collecting the data and adding to my enormous first hand experience on what worked and what was required. No one understood then, or indeed now, the true needs of the user better.

“…the future is one of continued growth pushing hard to enter the big airport markets in Europe…”

With products now in daily use in more than 70 countries, the key to the company’s success stems undoubtedly from understanding the key issues of exporting, ease of service, understanding the customer concerns, product support and putting the customer ahead of profit. It’s the slow burn of repeat business, trust and recommendation that wins the day every time.”

What is the biggest hurdle you have faced in business, and how did you overcome it?

  “If I had to name my biggest hurdles in the growth of Powervamp, it would be cash flow and the competition in the early days from ex-distributors to dishonest employees, all of whom tried to replicate the success of Powervamp in a dishonest way, all of which is now history.”

 How important is the role marketing and PR plays to your business success over the years?

  “This was one area that we neglected badly in our early days, preferring the route of engineering excellence to product awareness and product branding.

This was one of our biggest mistakes and allowed our competitors to sell inferior products and service. We recognised this several years ago and now have an excellent marketing manager within this recently expanded, and aggressive department. The results in enquiries and sales has been amazing and our position on various search engines continues to be at, or close to, the top.

The future is one of continued growth pushing hard to enter the big airport markets in Europe and develop new products. With its emphasis on batteries and green technology, the company is at the forefront of the growing awareness of aviation products needing to reduce CO2 and its effects on global warming.

We are fast outgrowing our 22,000 sq ft factory and with a large forward order book are well placed for major growth during the remainder of 2018 and in to 2019.”

To find out more about the Powervamp range of automotive, aviation, emergency lighting, aircraft static inverters and industrial power products – please call our sales team on 01934 643000, or download our latest brochures HERE.

1. Powervamp

1. Powervamp

 

Powervamp is proud to announce the launch of new products, adding to our already existing leading power solutions, such as aircraft static inverters and emergency lighting systems. Our new range of fast chargers are designed specifically for the Coolspool 17 and Coolspool 29 DC ground power units.

The Coolspool portable aircraft start units are currently supplied with an internal 1.9A emergency charger designed to recharge the unit over an extended time period, however frequent users of these units who require an expedited charge time should consider this new optional charger.

The Coolspool fast chargers are available as 26V DC or 28V DC output with a wide input range for worldwide operation

The Powervamp Coolspool fast charging system is designed to re-charge your Coolspool ground power unit quickly and safely whilst also optimising the batteries for maximum longevity.

The charger is available in four dedicated versions to charge the Coolspool 17 or Coolspool 29 ground power units at either 26V DC or 28V DC. These microprocessor controlled fast chargers feature a 3-stage step charge control with a low current start up and battery recovery feature.

Each charger is also fitted with reverse polarity, short circuit protection, temperature controlled cooling fan, and has a wide input range to allow for worldwide operation.

In addition the units 3 step charging options can offer boost charge, top-up charge and pulsing float charge, along with a wide input voltage/frequency range.

To read the full technical specification of the Coolspool fast charger, download the datasheet HERE.

To learn more about the Coolspool 17 and Coolspool 29 DC aircraft start units,

visit our dedicated GPU pages HERE.

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1. Powervamp

Search Workshop Supplies (SWSNI) is a family run business and has been operating in the motor and commercial vehicle industry since 1976.  The company supply into the automotive, commercial vehicle, plant and public transport sectors, but also specialise in garage and workshop equipment.

‘Search’ was established in 1976 by Gerald Glass, however it wasn’t until 1995 that it changed its name to Search Workshop Supplies and relocated to a purpose-built premises at Altnagelvin Industrial Estate, Londonderry.

“…the company is undergoing an impressive extension to the premises…”

Search was the first Irish dealer to secure the franchise for Snap-on Tools in 1976 which they held until 1997. Since then the company has become the main Ireland and UK distributor for several other premium brands.

The Search Workshop Supplies facility is undergoing an impressive expansion program

The premises consists of a large office and warehousing facilities, but the company is undergoing an extension to the premises, with an additional 2,500 sq.ft. warehousing and 1,000 sq.ft. of office space giving an impressive 26,000 sq.ft. overall.

“…the company continues to expand its portfolio by introducing quality product lines…”

The garage fit-out part of the business continues to flourish with SWSNI having recently completed a major contract for the main Volvo Truck and Bus dealers, Irish Commercials, at their new depot in Santry, North Dublin.

SWSNI supplied all equipment to fully kit seven double-bays offers including a Volvo truck and bus maintenance workshop, and also contains the company’s Partech division, which supplies parts for all makes of trucks, buses and trailers.

The new Irish Commercials depot in Santry, North Dublin benefited from a complete SWSNI fit-out

Gerald’s sons Simon and Lawrence now run the business which employs 20 staff  to oversee the country wide customer base.  The company continues to expand its portfolio by introducing quality product lines into its range of garage equipment…which is why SWSNI represents the Powervamp range of automotive jump start packs and accessories in Ireland.

“…I was pleasantly surprised at just how professional the Powervamp staff were…”

SWSNI first came in contact with Powervamp after bidding for the prestigious Translink contract to supply workshop equipment, consumables and jump-starting equipment. Despite tough competition, SWSNI won the contract and are responsible for servicing 22 bus depots throughout Northern Ireland.

Translink are users of both Powervamp and Search Workshop Supplies workshop equipment

Each depot had at least two heavy duty Powervamp jump start packs in regular use, meaning it was only a matter of time before SWSNI would need to make contact to discuss supply. Sales and Service Manager, Jonathan Glass recalls, “I was pleasantly surprised at just how professional the Powervamp staff were and once we had discussed the potential business with Translink and beyond, they were extremely helpful in recommending which products and spares we should carry.”

With over 5000 product lines on the shelf, SWSNI has evolved into a ‘one stop shop’ for the commercial workshop industry 

With a number of stock orders being placed for a mix of multiple jump start packs and accessories, the decision was made to make SWSNI the main Irish distributor of Powervamp products for the whole country.

“…we’re hungry for business and are targeting new accounts…”

With two years of sales, and a substantially larger customer base including haulage, coach and bus, plant and rail customers placing repeat orders for the jump start packs, the future is looking very positive for the partnership with Powervamp.

Search Workshop Supplies Service Team offers a complete support package to the increasing number of commercial customers

As the jump pack sales increase, so too does the service work and SWSNI have seen a sharp increase in the amount of repairs going through their dedicated service centre. The Service Team are kept busy carrying out urgent repairs and upgrades to the full range of Powervamp products.

“We are keen to expand our business”notes Jonathan Glass, “not only are our premises being increased through a series of extensions, but we’re hungry for business and are targeting new accounts with local councils.  We also see some real potential in moving into the aviation market too, with the continued support from Powervamp.”

Powervamp are specialists in aviation power supplies, offering a range of products including aircraft static inverters, ground power units and emergency lighting solutions.

To discuss your jump-starting, or general workshop equipment, requirements with

Search Workshop Supplies – call UK: (028) 7131 2225 or IRL: (01) 506 0572

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1. Powervamp

For total peace of mind and to ensure that your recent investment is correctly installed and optimised for site conditions, we encourage all clients to have their systems commissioned by one of our competent factory trained engineers.

Commissioning is the final and arguably the most important step in completing the installation of any system. Powervamp engineers are factory trained to commission any emergency lighting central battery systems, static inverter systems, static frequency converters and ground power units.

“…its critical that we minimise and control the risks in an appropriate way…”

Comprehensive checks are carried out to ensure your system is installed correctly and operates in accordance with relevant safety and performance standards. Our Safe Contractor approved service department can assist with site handovers, training & guidance as part of commissioning works.

The construction industry is one of the toughest when it comes to safety, and with site workers exposed to many risks, you can understand why. Powervamp is ‘Safe Contractor’ approved ensuring the highest level of safety and competency at all times.

The service team commissioning Powervamp equipment at The International Paris Airshow 2017

As part of our preparation for site works, we will issue site-specific risk assessments and method statements for the anticipated work.

The purpose of writing risk assessments and method statements is ultimately to plan the work in advance whilst identifying the companie’s health and safety management. It’s critical that we minimise and control the risks in an appropriate way to protect your workforce and those that may be exposed.

“…airports and military sites require relevant permits and clearances before engineers are allowed on site…”

Carrying out an assessment therefore encourages planning for the task or activity. Rather than just going ahead with the work, and making things up as we go along.

Powervamp takes safety very seriously, all our engineers are electrically trained in their field of expertise and therefore carry ECS cards

The ECS is known as the Electro-technical Certification Scheme and is the occupational card scheme for UK electro-technical workers.  Whether you are a technically qualified manager or a trainee electrician, you will require a valid ECS card to prove your competence to industry standards.

Powervamp staff ensure they are compliant with the required certification when carrying out electrical work

There is often confusion surrounding ECS and CSCS cards schemes.  If you see an electrical site job advertised that asks for a CSCS card, it is the usually ECS card that you will need.  The ECS scheme is affiliated to and recognised by the CSCS as the equivalent competence card. Most job advertisements ask for a CSCS card on any construction related jobs, however a CSCS card on its own will not allow you to carry out electrical work.

Airports and military sites require relevant permits and clearances before engineers are allowed on site. This often requires engineers to provide up to 5 years of personal & employment history to satisfy these stringent requirements.

“…engineers are proficient in the legislation applicable to emergency lighting and can therefore advise on non-compliant designs…”

Powervamp engineers work at many UK airports and military sites, and therefore have the clearances necessary to enter these sites. Although not always transferrable, often once an engineer is granted access to one of these sites, clearances for other sites are become easier.

All Powervamp products have a pre-defined, documented commissioning test procedure to ensure all systems are checked and tested to the highest standard.

For central battery and static inverter systems, a full battery discharge test for either 1 or 3 hours will be performed to ensure the system can supply sufficient power for the required duration. Cell voltages are monitored and recorded for future reference.

The team will travel the length and breadth of the UK to perform essential commissioning work

Also included are checks to ensure the system is installed in accordance with current legislation. Our engineers are proficient in the legislation applicable to emergency lighting and can therefore advise on non-compliant designs or installations.

Loadbank testing is a vital part of ground power unit commissioning, this is due to the nature and sensitivity of modern aircraft. Incorrect installation could cause serious damage to the aircraft, which could cost thousands of pounds to repair.

“…loadbank testing is a vital part of ground power unit commissioning…”

Powervamp have a number of 28V DC and 200/115V 400Hz loadbanks for commissioning and maintenance of all types of ground power units, some of these are detailed below:

On occasion, loadbank testing is also required for central battery system / static inverter system commissioning. As an option, Powervamp can provide a 30kW 50Hz loadbank for this scenario, larger loadbanks can be sourced if required.

After all testing is complete, a report is issued. A test certificate can be supplied which is often required for emergency lighting installations to prove a full duration test has been completed.  Powervamp takes pride in its approach to all commissioning work and will always ensure it delivers a first class service.

If you wish to discuss any aspect of our commissions services, or want to find out more about how the Powervamp Service team can assist your company – call 01934 643000 or email sales@powervamp.com.

 

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1. Powervamp

Powervamp has repeatedly out performed major organisations through a combination of superior hands-on technical experience and continuous product development.  However, it’s the customer support and servicing capability that has been the backbone of the company for the last 24 years.

Servicing the customer’s requirements after the sale has become as important as closing the initial sale with many customers stating ‘product support’ was ultimately key in their decision-making.

“…military and airside clearances mean our service team are can work in sensitive environments…”

Powervamp has always recognised this requirement and has built a sizable service department to deal with all aspects of its product range.

The department can inspect, quote and repair all Powervamp AC and DC equipment and is often requested to repair competitors units where a faster turnaround, with often a more competitive quote, is required.

The service team have the ability to test and repair any Powervamp product as well as competitors equipment

Work can also include commissioning various equipment.  Our team of specialised engineers cover the UK and abroad, but also have managed to touch nearly all corners of the world for example, Europe, Asia and North America. Due to the high level of military and airside clearances our service team are able to work in sensitive environments.

“…the team can now be trained in a controlled environment to gain a thorough understanding of system fundamentals…”

As the level of service work has increased, so has the requirement for a larger allocation of space within the 22,000 sq ft Barton le Clay facility to house the dedicated service offices and customer equipment.

The service area is also home to a recently installed bespoke test bay, designed to test any aspect of the Powervamp product lines.  The dedicated test bay allows the team to test equipment immediately and by not sharing it with other departments avoids unnecessary delays.

When not working off site, the team divide their time between testing and training 

The bay is fitted with bespoke test rigs, fixed load bank for DC equipment and a portable load bank for static frequency converter (SFC) testing.  It also includes multiple junction boxes and its own resistive DC load with the ability to increase the output in small increments for the most accurate test purposes.

“…we have a number of important service contracts at major UK airports where we are required on site within a specified timeframe…”

The team have even installed a mock-up of a low lighting system to enable them to test emergency lighting inverters (ELI) as if in a real office environment.

Karl Nugent, Service Manager, works very closely with his team of 2 administrators and 7 engineers to ensure response times are met and quotes remain competitive.

Karl Nugent, Service Manager, believes in-house training is key to developing his engineers competance

Karl comments,  “The team can now be trained in a controlled environment to gain a thorough understanding of system fundamentals before entering high pressured situations in the field.  In order to provide best customer service it is important that our engineers are flexible, knowledgeable and motivated. An engineer who receives the necessary training is better able to perform their job with consistency and confidence!”

“…it takes an experienced team to work within the high pressure, and often very fluid, air show environment…”

“I make sure they get at least 3 to 4 days a week on site with the rest of their time spent training or testing replacement modules, PCBs and other components.”

“We have a number of important service contracts at major UK airports where we are required on site within a specified timeframe to deal with all types of situations.  In order to do this with a minimum of disruption to the airport, we bench test and then machine test our entire stock of replacement components to ensure the team has 100% confidence in the product that is being swapped out”

The Powervamp service team worked tirelessly at the International Paris Airshow 2017

Karl’s team are also responsible for the supplying, logistics and commissioning of Powervamp ground power units at a number of international air shows such as Paris, Farnborough, RIAT and Singapore.

Air show planning can start up to 12 months in advance as build programs, power calculations, generator spotting, staff movements, accommodation and quotations are dealt with.

It takes an experienced team to work within the high pressure, and often very fluid, air show environment – especially when dealing with major airframe manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier and Gulfstream.

Powervamp continues to design and develop new product lines, including aircraft static inverters, whilst expanding its international distributor network. The service department is destined to grow accordingly to continue its customer support both in the UK, and abroad.

To discuss service contracts and how the Powervamp service department can support your business, call 01934 643000 or email sales@powervamp.com for more details.

 

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1. Powervamp

 

Powervamp offers a range of additional services to complement its range of aviation, automotive, industrial and emergency lighting product lines.  These services are designed to offer the client a full range of options to consider before, during and after a purchase to offer peace of mind during every stage of the process.

 

Project Management

Continuity from start to finish, Powervamp will appoint a Project Manager for Turnkey projects, often before any agreements are in place. This ensures all aspects of the project are captured early on and that any commercial proposals are accurate and include a detailed scope of works for the complete project.

The Project manager will be responsible for the following key points for a full Turnkey project.

The Project manager will act as a single point of contact for the duration of the project, ensuring all correspondence is clear and concise.

Typically most projects will be completed using our internal resources, on occasion, for larger projects, we may utilise approved sub-contractors to assist with certain aspects of the projects, like electrical installation works for example.

 

Site Survey

Site surveys are often the first stage in providing a true turnkey solution, this ensures the correct solution is identified. Our engineers can carry out free of charge surveys and provide in-depth technical advice on Powervamp products ensuring the best possible solution for your requirement.

Our site survey covers all aspects from deciding which system best suits the application as well as the practical elements including delivery, installation and commissioning requirements.

 

CAD Layout and Schematic Drawings

From space planning to electrical schematics, Powervamp have both 2D and 3D capability in the form of AutoCAD and Solidworks. These programs are used effectively to generate all the required drawings for a typical Turnkey project.

Electrical schematics are critical to ensure the correct design as well as to generate accurate bills of material (BOM).

 

 

Logistics

Delivery of equipment is often overlooked when planning a project. Site requirements vary dramatically from project to project, from simple level access deliveries to complex positioning requiring the use of a crane, so taking the time to ensure logistics are carefully considered is a critical part of any project.

Powervamp typically utilise a dedicated delivery service, not only does this minimise the handling of the equipment, it allows for timed deliveries to synchronise with site constraints and our on-site engineers.

Selecting the right partner for delivery is important, taking advice from our delivery specialists, we can ensure the correct vehicle is selected together with trained operatives to ensure safe delivery, offloading and positioning as required.

Risk Assessments and Method Statements are provided as required, tailored to a particular delivery / site requirement.

For equipment replacement projects, we will always endeavour to minimise delivery costs by utilising the same vehicle for delivery and removal works.

All equipment removed from site is disposed / recycled in accordance with current legislation with waste Transfer Notes provide as required.

 

Installation & Battery Builds

Powervamp employ qualified electricians within their service department. It is therefore possible for us to complete minor electrical works as part of a like-for-like replacement programme.

For new-build projects, our customer is also the M&E contractor and typically all electrical works are performed by this contractor.

For replacement projects that require a significant amount of electrical works, Powervamp will typically sub-contract these works to one of our approved electrical contractors, the contractor will take responsibility for any electrical design element of the project and also provide the resource to complete the installation. All of this will be managed by Powervamp, maintaining direct contact with our customer at all times.

Battery builds for Central Battery Systems are normally performed by Powervamp Engineers either before or at the same time as commissioning.

 

Final Testing & Commissioning

Commissioning is the final and arguably the most important step in completing the installation of your Powervamp system. Powervamp engineers are factory trained to commission emergency lighting central battery systems, static inverter systems, static frequency converters and ground power units.

Comprehensive checks are carried out to ensure your Powervamp system is installed correctly and operates in accordance with relevant safety and performance standards. Our SafeContractor approved service department can assist with site handovers, training & guidance as part of commissioning works.

Our dedicated site Commissioning webpage provides further details of our capabilities.

 

For more details on how Powervamp turnkey solutions can help you, please call 01934 643000

or email sales@powervamp.com

 

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1. Powervamp

The Powervamp automotive division was featured in a recent edition of ‘Bus and Coach Buyer‘ magazine. The company was contacted regarding an article on “Things to look out for when buying equipment for garages”.

The article explores various companies involved within the commercial vehicle sector to find out what advice should be given to fleet managers to allow them to select the most suitable equipment.

When Powervamp started in 1994 the company was solely focused on providing automotive jump start packs, however despite the company expanding into other market sectors such as aircraft static inverters, it still remains true to its roots.

The Powervamp range of professional jump start packs

The following excerpts have been taken from the article…

For more information on any Powervamp automotive product or service, please contact our UK distributor, Alliance Electronics, on 0114 2477041, alternatively you can email sales@allianceelectronics.co.uk

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1. Powervamp

Selecting the correct battery jump starter can sometimes be a confusing task. Our guide addresses some commonly encountered questions to help you on your way. The following checklist has been specifically designed to assist Powervamp customers with their battery jump starter selection.  Powervamp’s technical support department or, appointed distributors, will also be pleased to offer advice in helping you select the correct product for your requirements.

Will the jump starter be used for occasional 12v engine starts?

A 17 amp/hour battery pack specially designed for smaller dealerships/bodyshops and workshops for occasional use.

Recommended: TB1600

Features: Four LED battery status display Toughened impact resistant polymer case 2 metre highly flexible lead set Heavy duty insulated crocodile clip lead Side mounted charge/accessory socket Supplied with 4amp external fast charger Ergonomically designed carry handle

Does the jump starter need to multi-start 12v diesel engines including cars, vans and 4×4’s?

Supplied to the AA and RAC, the MR26 is a well proven professional 12v jump starter capable of starting up to 8 litre petrol and 4 litre diesel engines.

Recommended: MR26 – See the unit in action here

Features: Anti-surge protection PCB Internal 3 stage 2.3 amp charger Detachable 2 metre heavy duty cable set Reverse polarity audio warning Four LED battery status display Specially toughened shatterproof case Braided & insulated crocodile clips

Is the jump starter going to be used for 12v and 24v diesel fleet vehicles?

A duel voltage pack capable of starting 12 volt engines, (4 litre petrol / 8 litre diesel), as commercial diesels (up to 15 litres).

Recommended: TB1224HDD

Features: Twin 3 stage, 2.3 amp internal chargers Cast & braided crocodile clips Tri-coloured battery charge status LED’s Robust powder-coated steel case Detachable 2 metre heavy duty cable set Anti-surge protection PCB Reverse polarity audio warning

Does the jump starter need to be installed into a service van?

Heavy duty 12v/24v jump starter with small footprint is ideal for service van where space is a premium. Pack also accepts an OBCK, (on-board-charge-kit), for charging whilst on the move.

Recommended: Tower Pack

Features: Specially toughened and shatterproof case Anti-surge protection PCB Four LED battery status display 10 amp external fast charger Detachable 2 metre heavy duty cable set Reverse polarity audio warning Available as 12v, 24v or 12v/24v models

Is the pack required primarily for heavy engine starting of commercial vehicles such as bus, truck or large agricultural machinery?

Originally designed for the Dutch Army, this model delivers massive multi-starting power on 12v, (all engines) and 24v, (up to 18 litres), with twin internal chargers, fused outputs and a powder coated steel case – the NATO is for the professional user.

Recommended: Nato Pack

Features: Anti-surge protection PCB Cast and braided crocodile clips Tri-coloured battery charge status LED’s Robust powder-coated steel case Detachable 2 metre heavy duty cable set Reverse polarity audio warning 2 x 750 amp fused outlets

Is the battery pack required for a number of single voltage multi-engine starting?

A versatile 12v or 24v heavy duty jump-starter ideal for automotive auction houses, large car parks, car supermarkets etc where heavy daily usage is required.

Recommended: Go-Cart

Features: Heavy-duty push/pull isolator switch Anti-surge protection PCB 12v or 24v battery configurations available Robust powder-coated steel trolley frame Cast and braided crocodile clips Reverse polarity audio warning Quick “swap-out” battery system

Do you need reverse polarity audible warning and voltage spike suppression fitted as standard?

Every Powervamp automotive jump starter is fitted with an audible reverse polarity warning system as well as a voltage spike suppression PCB to protect the vehicles own ECU, as standard. Why not check out our emergency lighting products?

Recommended: Any Powervamp jump starter

Disclaimer The information and data within this brochure regarding pack size, performance and engine models is given in good faith as a guide only. The company accepts no responsibility for errors and omissions.

 

If this isn’t what you’re looking for, contact us on 01934 643000 and our experts can answer your questions on power solutions, such as explaining what is a static frequency converter.

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1. Powervamp

Emergency lighting design is an essential part of a design for any public building. In the event of a mains failure, the safety of a buildings occupants is of paramount importance and therefore it is essential that true and proper measures are taken to ensure that escape routes are fully supported by means of some kind of backup system.

These can be self-contained, by having its own internal power supply within its containment or by a central battery system. Self-containing lights are useful for small areas however when trying to illuminate larger buildings sometimes the lux (brightness) levels are not met and therefore require an external battery source.

All Effekta emergency lighting central battery systems are BSEN 50171 compliant

Under British and European standards BSEN 50171 there is an obligation to provide central battery systems to energize emergency lighting in the event of failure of the normal supply. These must be strictly adhered to in order to comply with these regulations.

Powervamp’s ‘Effekta’ range of emergency lighting central battery systems are compliant to the BSEN 50171 regulations. In the event of power failure the central battery system switches seamlessly to battery power restoring an acceptable lux level for a set duration which is usually 1 or 3 hours. The Effekta range also includes frequency converters, take a read here if you’re looking for information on how does a static frequency converter work.

“…Powervamp’s service team aim to reduce down time on units, minimizing inconvenience to the customer…”

The emergency lighting central battery system should be tested on a regular basis on full load in order to ensure that the performance levels are maintained. For a central battery system to be compliant to the regulations of BSEN 50171, a stringent battery test is carried out. Batteries are charged for 36 hours in nominal conditions and then immediately discharged while all emergency lighting and other safety equipment is energized for the duration.

The Chivas Bros distillery have ordered 53 x EF5 ELI units since 2014

The information provided from the test, for example, cell voltages are monitored and recorded for future reference regarding any further servicing work. Within the testing process, checks are made to ensure that the system is installed in accordance with current legislation and can therefore advise on non-compliant designs, such as UPS derived installations.

“…an explosive atmosphere caused by the flammable fumes evaporating through the wooden casks during the maturing process…”

Its recommended that all Powervamp clients have their systems commissioned by one of their factory trained engineer to ensure that the central battery system is compliant and suitably optimized.  Powervamp’s service team aim for first time fixes in order to reduce down time on units, minimizing inconvenience to the customer by ensuring that the unit is electrically sound and checked for any defects which would otherwise be outside of the warranty period.

By doing this the team can ensure the central battery systems meets the 10 year battery life.  In addition to this our service department are able to assist with site handovers, training and guidance as part of commissioning along with providing quick turnaround times.

The Powervamp service team can provide bespoke maintenance contracts designed to maximise product longevity

The batteries within the central battery units are one of the most expensive components, however like all batteries they can be subject to age related issues. Optimum temperatures for batteries to operate is about 20C. If the batteries are too hot they will age prematurely but if they are too cold they may not operate effectively.

Powervamp has provided central battery units to numerous distilleries in Scotland, including Pernod Ricard, Chivas Bros and Macallan.  Powervamp has always offered bespoke solutions in order to ensure the batteries remain at the optimum temperatures in these sometime extreme environments. Heating elements have designed to fit within the enclosures to ensure that the correct conditions are maintained despite the changeable ambient temperature.

“…the design engineers often work with the consultant, from conception to completion…”

In the case of the Macallan distillery in Overton in Scotland, the latest installation was to be located in an ATEX zone – an environment with an explosive atmosphere caused by the flammable fumes evaporating through the wooden casks during the maturing process. The lost alcohol is know as the ‘angels share’ and can be as much as 2% per year.

The Macallan warehouse in Overton, Scotland 

The 6 x EF33 ELI (20kVA) 1 hour units were fitted with a bespoke interface to allow the clients’ own interlock systems to operate correctly.  An oversized inverter was also installed to cope with the load distribution requirements and potential high inrush current from the LED lighting.

Another example of the Powervamp engineers understanding, and meeting, the clients bespoke requirements was at the Highland Park distillery where it was decided to replace all existing inverters with 8 x bespoke EF20 ELI systems. All 8 systems were built into IP54 rated medical grade stainless steel enclosures with each EF20 supplied with its own bespoke wiring loom to allow the running of emergency, and non-emergency lights, meaning all controls could be located in the same area.

The Powervamp in-house design engineers can additionally offer tailor made solutions for other adverse conditions, for example offering hoods to divert rain or providing stainless steel enclosures to help protect against metal erosion when installed in salient locations.  The design engineers often work with the consultant, from conception to completion, to ensure all systems are correctly sized for the lighting load and space planning.

These design implications allow Powervamp to offer a range of IP ratings from IP21-IP54 as specified in BSEN 50171.and subsequently allow the design team to offer central battery systems in enclosures outside the normal working environment.

For more information on the Powervamp ‘Effekta’ range of emergency lighting central battery systems,

please call our sales office on 01934 643000 or email sales@powervamp.com

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1. Powervamp

KUBOTA UK STRENGTHENS ITS POSITION IN THE AVIATION INDUSTRY WITH POWERVAMP PARTNERSHIP

Kubota, the world-renowned manufacturer of industrial diesel and dual fuel engines, is targeting significant growth in the aviation ground power equipment market after joining forces with Powervamp.

Powervamp, an aviation power specialist that manufactures ground power equipment, including aircraft static inverters, to airports globally, is using Kubota’s US EPA Tier 4 compliant, three cylinder, water cooled D902-E4B diesel engine to power its industry leading Coolspool Hybrid 300.

“…the aviation industry has been using oversized diesel GPU’s for too long…”

The Coolspool Hybrid 300 is designed to provide continuous power for avionics and to start the engines on all DC turbine and turboprop aircraft, such as regional airliners like the ATR 42 and 72, ERJ 135 and 145, the Jetstream 32 and 42 and the Saab 340.

The Kubota powered Coolspool Hybrid 300

This compact and high performance solution is transforming the aviation ground power equipment market based on its ability to deliver the peak amperage for starting large turbines where previously a dedicated diesel ground power unit (GPU) four times the size would have been used.

Richard Roller, Chairman and founder of Powervamp, said: “The aviation industry has been using oversized diesel GPU’s just to deliver peak amperage for a few seconds, for too long. These types of units are expensive to purchase and operate, take up a lot of space and are hugely inefficient, burning huge quantities of fuel at a major cost to the operators.

“…Kubota engines are renowned across the world for their exceptional performance and reliability…”

“At Powervamp, we identified that there was a massive market for regional airline operators requiring a hybrid unit that could provide continuous power up to 300amps from a very small correctly sized diesel unit.

By combining the diesel output with a bank of high discharge batteries, we can deliver the very high instant amperage, sometimes exceeding 2000 amps, during the short duration of the start cycle with continuous ripple free power during the aircraft turn round being provided by the small diesel engine. The Powervamp Coolspool Hybrid 300 delivers exactly that.”

The 28V DC mini diesel GPU is in constant production to fulfil a growing order book

“One of the major benefits is the hybrid solution. With many airports under increasing pressure to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions, it makes this an environmentally friendly option. It is also extremely compact, making it easier to move.

By “filtering” the generator output through the high discharge batteries the Hybrid delivers exceptionally stable DC power which is a massive advantage for certain aircraft that can be easily grounded due to the effects of “dirty power” on their avionics.

Voltage spiking is a big problem, which can result in costly downtime, so having a product like the Coolspool Hybrid 300 where the DC power is pure, safeguards the aircrafts avionics.”

“…this partnership with Powervamp strengthens our position in this important (aviation) sector…”

Kubota’s D902-E4B, one of the most compact multi-cylinder liquid cooled industrial diesel engine on the market, is being supplied to Powervamp for its Coolspool Hybrid 300 by Kubota UK’s Engines Distributor Mitchell Power systems.

Richard continued: “Kubota engines are renowned across the world for their exceptional performance and reliability, so we are absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with them. There are a number of key advantages to joining forces with Kubota. Firstly, the fact Kubota engines are known the world over helps give the Coolspool Hybrid 300 acceptance on the mechanical side.”

Richard Roller (Chairman) and Cesar Puente (Project Engineer) were instrumental in the development of the Hybrid GPU

“The Kubota engine also gives us the right amount of power we need. Previously, we had been using a competitor engine but this didn’t give us the power we required, particularly if the Coolspool was being used in high altitude or high temperature locations. The Kubota D902 is correctly sized for this solution, making it the perfect fit.

Finally, it was also critical that the engine we used was US EPA Tier 4 compliant, giving us a product that we can market worldwide that meets and exceeds legislative requirements.”

“…the Coolspool Hybrid 300, powered by Kubota, guarantees clean power…”

Powervamp has recently sold three Coolspool Hybrid 300 to Air Tahiti following successful trials and the company is now planning a programme of worldwide demonstrations to prove the benefits of this solution to regional airlines and airports, starting with Logan Air of Scotland, Silver Airways in Florida and another operator that owns one of the largest ATR fleets.

The Coolspool Hybrid 300 relied upon daily to power the ATR aircraft with Air Tahiti 

Andrew Wolton, Account Manager for Kubota UK’s Engines Division, commented: “Kubota has developed an enviable reputation in the industrial equipment industries, but there’s a significant opportunity for us to grow our brand awareness and increase our market penetration in the aviation industry.

“…essential reliability  at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact compared to a conventional diesel ground power unit…”

“This partnership with Powervamp strengthens our position in this important sector further and we are looking forward to building on this as Powervamp rolls out its Coolspool Hybrid 300 demonstrations globally.

There are huge escalating costs involved if a plane doesn’t take off. To avoid any unnecessary departure delays, airport terminals have to run like clockwork. The Coolspool Hybrid 300, powered by Kubota, guarantees clean power and delivers the versatility and essential reliability that operators demand, at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact compared to a conventional diesel ground power unit.”

For more information on Kubota and its extensive range of solutions,

visit https://kuk.kubota-eu.com/engines or call 01844 268000.

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1. Powervamp

AERO Specialties provides airport ground support equipment, (GSE), solutions to corporate, FBO, MRO, military, airline and general aviation customers worldwide. Based in Idaho, USA, the company manufactures and distributes high-end new, used and refurbished aircraft GSE.

Their extensive and diverse product lines set them apart from their competitors, making AERO the preferred GSE supplier for over 16,000 organizations globally.

“…AERO is one of the premier suppliers of aircraft GSE to aviation markets across the globe…”

Combine this with their team of professionally certified mechanics, engineers, revered customer service and online parts store, and you have the complete GSE support package.

The Powervamp / AERO Specialties management team at the AERO facility Idaho, USA

The company also manufactures a variety of in-house designed airport products including aircraft towbars, oxygen & nitrogen service systems and lavatory & portable water service carts.

With nearly 30 years of experience and over 21,000 active customers, AERO is one of the premier suppliers of aircraft GSE to aviation markets across the globe.

“…sales greatly exceeded all expectations…”

The diversity of their product lines and expertise makes them the preferred GSE supplier to a number of major organizations such as Embraer, Bombardier, Gulfstream, Boeing and Airbus Military.

In March 2016 AERO Specialties was appointed the exclusive distributor for Powervamp’s range of portable DC products for the USA, Canada and Mexico.  

The striking AERO Specialties brand colours work well with the Powervamp GSE equipment 

AERO’s dedication to customer service and industry experience is unmatched in the USA and coupled with their experienced sales and support team made them the obvious choice to represent Powervamp.

With initial sales greatly exceeding all expectations, it was decided in October 2017 that AERO should also distribute the latest generation Powervamp fixed electrical ground powering (FEGP). This range of 400 Hz solid-state aircraft rectifiers and frequency converters are becoming increasingly more popular as airports as operators seek to minimise costs and pollution.

“…2018 should be another exciting year for this transcontinental partnership…”

Powervamp designs and manufactures its own range of FEGP and has accumulated a wealth of unrivalled knowledge through its trials on the world’s latest generation aircraft in hangers, airports and numerous airshows. 

The R&D team have worked alongside the largest airframe manufacturers and test engineers to understand the often sensitive power requirements to enable the team to deliver a dependable product range.

The 2017 NBAA exhibition in Las Vegas proved the perfect environment to launch the 400Hz frequency inverters

All AERO FEGP, GPU (Ground Power Unit), AC and DC equipment is now supplied in their distinct AERO blue and orange corporate colours and sets a new standard for safety, precision and reliability when in use at the various airports across the USA.  

As AERO Specialties continues to actively promote their branded range of GSE through exhibitions, advertising and their factory trained sales team, the order book continues to grow. 2018 should be another exciting year for this transcontinental partnership.

For more information on AERO Specialties and their range of GSE, visit their website HERE,

or contact them at sales@aerospecialties.com

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1. Powervamp

Powervamp is uniquely placed amongst ground power unit suppliers to the aviation industry in that it supplies both 28V DC and 400Hz products. So no matter what aircraft, from a Cessna 152 through to an A380, Powervamp have a proven, quality solution.

The common denominator behind all Powervamp products, including aircraft static inverters, is that they are solid state, electrical solutions to providing ground power to aircraft, regardless of whether they require 28V DC or 400Hz.

“…Miami Airport reported that installing FEGP has saved an estimated 131,400 gallons of diesel per year…”

Whenever the operational requirements it makes both commercial and environmental sense to opt for a solid state solution. Comparing a diesel GPU, (ground power unit), with their solid state electrical counterparts is a complex issue, and one that can be debated on many different levels.

There have undoubtedly been improvements in diesel engine performance over recent years, but that said there have also been huge improvements in power station emissions as well, and so the argument and counter argument is still ongoing.

1. Powervamp

The Peruvian Air Force, or Fuerza Aérea del Perú (FAP) as they are known locally, is the branch of the Peruvian Armed Forces tasked with defending the nation and its interests through the use of air power. Additional missions include assistance in safeguarding internal security, conducting disaster relief operations and participating in international peacekeeping operations.

“…the Grupo Aéreo Número 3 were dissatisfied with the various GPUs currently in service…”

The FAP is made up of four divisions, however it was the Grupo Aéreo Número 3, or Air Group No3, who first expressed an interest regarding the Powervamp range of ground power units.

A Grupo Aéreo Número 3 operated Bell 412 helicopter on manoeuvres in Peru

The Grupo Aéreo Número 3 were dissatisfied with the various GPUs currently in service around Peru and were seeking a more reliable alternative, which was when they contacted Powervamp Peruvian distributor, Unlimited Systems.

“…the engineers were particularly impressed with the Coolspool 29 twin model…”

Unlimited Systems is located on the west coast of Peru and already supplies high tech security products such as X-ray machines, drones and scanners to the FAP. Unlimited systems requested a visit by Powervamp to demonstrate to the FAP the range of portable GPU for aircrafts and power supplies. The FAP currently operate a fleet of Bell 212 / Bell 412 as well as MI 17 / MI 24 helicopters and use the GPUs for up to 4 turbine starts as well as pre-flight checks and software upgrades.

The Coolspool 29 Twin was trialled by the FAP on a number of different helicopters

The engineers were particularly impressed with the Coolspool 29 twin model, which offered a perfect partnership of power and portability making it ideal for using at the base or on exercise. The quality of the equipment, and customer support was also a deciding factor when the range of Powervamp ground power units were showcased by Richard Roller, (Chairman) and Cesar Puente, (Project Engineer), to the FAP in late 2017.

“…FAP have expressed an interest in the larger Coolspool 130 and Coolspool 260 battery carts for extended avionics software programming…”

The introduction to the Powervamp GPU’s was very well received and following on from the successful demonstration, FAP immediately purchased 5 x Coolspool 29 Twin units for use within two locations at their Air Force base in Lima – ‘Petroperu de Bagua’ and ‘Base contra subversiva de Pichari in Vraem’.

Portability, power and reliability were essential GPU attributes required by the FAP

Since delivery of the ground power units, FAP have expressed an interest in the larger Coolspool 130 and Coolspool 260 battery carts for extended avionics software programming and increased turbine starting on larger helicopters. Unlimited Systems have also been in contact with other divisions of the FAP where there is a keen interest in the PV90-3 400Hz equipment.

Powervamp is working very closely with their new distributer to ensure the Fuerza Aérea del Perú have access to the complete range of ground power equipment and power supplies, as well as full technical support.

For more information on the Powervamp Coolspool 29 Twin pack, please visit our detailed product page here, alternatively you can email our UK sales office here, or call +44 (0)1934 643000.

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1. Powervamp

Ever wondered how the Powervamp brand, product lines and subsequent market domination all started?

Well read on…

Powervamp Ltd, (the name is derived from power = volts x amps), was formed by Richard Roller in 1993 and incorporated in 1994. Initially building a range of portable jump start packs for starting cars, buses and trucks, the company pioneered the first stainless steel, portable battery pack for starting helicopter turbines, and went on to develop a range of stainless steel packs for aircraft and vehicle starting.

Key to the company’s success and expansion was the extensive “hands-on” field testing and product development carried out by the company founder and by Powervamp engineers resulting in the development of equipment to meet the needs of today’s aircraft. At the same time Powervamp’s design team built a wealth of technical knowledge unique to the company. This hands on testing has given Powervamp a practical and technological edge over its competitors.

“…this award winning 28V DC product range is now in daily use…”

Having designed its highly successfully range of portable piston engine and turbine starting packsthe company identified the need for a miniaturised continuous, 28V DC power supply to allow police helicopter crews to train on camera and thermal imaging systems at minimal cost while on the ground.

With Powervamps world wide reputation for reliable portable GPUs, (ground power units), and continuous power supplies, sales grew with the company relocating in 1997 to its present head office in Weston-super-Mare, near Bristol, UK.

Combining its electronic design expertise and harnessing its huge worldwide customer base, the company developed a range of new products that complemented its original products. Selected by multiple armed forces as the perfect portable unit for starting armoured vehicles, helicopters and DC aircraft, Powervamp’s GPUs have proved themselves in both civil and military use where performance and reliability are essential.

“…acquisition of Effekta UK Ltd enabled Powervamp to become a major manufacturer of advanced aircraft converters…”

With the aviation industry becoming increasingly more pollution conscious, the company developed its unique heavy duty zero emission battery cart for regional airlines operating large DC aircraft on scheduled services. This award winning, unique 28V DC product range marketed under Powervamp’s ‘Coolspool’ brand is now in daily use in the UK, US, Europe, Middle East, South America, Far East and Australia.

The acquisition of Effekta UK Ltd in 2012, (a specialist company in advanced power electronics), enabled Powervamp to become a major manufacturer of advanced solid state aircraft converters to the aviation industry. The acquisition also gave Powervamp access to a range of in-house designed central battery systems required by law to be installed in any public, or industrial building.

A programme of heavy investment in product development resulted in a winning design of modular solid state converter. Price and features have been responsible for multiple orders being placed by Bristol, Edinburgh, Manchester, London City and Heathrow airports and numerous FBO as well as direct with major airlines for hangar installations.

“…no other manufacturer in the world has the product range, rental fleet or technically experienced team…”

The company has grown to become a recognised supplier to the world’s major airports and Airlines. It owns its main premises and employs a large team of CAD and software engineers that continue to develop state of the art equipment including aircraft static inverters and highly sophisticated emergency lighting systems for large public areas such as shopping malls, sports stadiums and airport concourses.

Customers benefit from the fact that the company controls all aspects of production from software design to product support. It can therefor guarantee spares continuity, which is supported by a service department that does not rely on external support, third party software or contracted engineers.

The company’s products are in use in more than 65 countries with installation, training and support around the world provided by Powervamp’s own service team and trained engineers from its distributor network.

Uniquely, Powervamp is both a manufacturer and a service provider, being responsible for supplying all the ground power, with technical support, at major air shows such as the International Paris Air show and Farnborough Air show. No other manufacturer in the world has the product range, rental fleet and technically experienced team to provide this demanding service and highly specialised support to all the world’s major airframe manufacturers.

As the company moves into its 25th year of operation, the relentless product development, exploration of new opportunities and continued company expansion will ensure Powervamp is well placed to embrace the next 25 years.

For more information on any Powervamp products or services, please email sales@powervamp.com or call our office on 01934 643000.  

Alternatively, you may wish to download one of our sector specific brochures here.

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1. Powervamp

Every product sold within the European Union must by law have a CE mark to prove that it conforms to all legal requirements.  The Low Voltage Directive falls under the CE definition which ensures every product complies with a harmonised standard, and this includes Electromagnetic Compatibility. Electromagnetic Compatibility, (EMC) is defined as the ability for devices and systems to operate in their own electromagnetic environment without affecting their functions and faults. EMC also ensures that the operation of a product does not influence the electromagnetic environment to the extent that the functions of other devices and systems are also affected.

“…the EMC test process can become expensive whilst companies spend weeks fine tuning their products…”

To ensure a product is compatible, there are stringent guidelines incorporating various methods of test and measurement that must be adhered to. Manufacturers will usually book a slot at a test house whereby their product, or equipment, is tested under the stringent regulations.

A typical EMC environment within an approved test house

There are 12 tests within the EMC standard that the product must conform with, however, should it only just fail, minor changes can be made on site to assist the product to pass. Alternatively, the product would need to be taken away for modification, or possibly a complete redesign, and re-booked for another test at a later date  The EMC test process can become expensive whilst companies spend weeks fine tuning their products at a test house and being charged £1000’s for the privilege.

“…Ad-hoc changes can be made without the time constraints associated with an external test house…”

Powervamp designs, and builds, a large range of PCBs and complex electronic assemblies for its range of ground power units, aircraft static inverters and power supplies. This technically advanced equipment must comply with the EMC standard to operate perfectly in all manner of environments – particularly airports where a high volume of high frequencies are being sent and received over a concentrated area. With the constant improvement of products and the development of new products, the Powervamp R&D team took the decision to build a pre-compliance test booth.

The Powervamp pre-compliance test booth will maximise in-house productivity and reduce development expenditure

The booth will allow the team to test products in-house to the same standards as the approved test houses, but at a fraction of the cost. Ad-hoc changes can be made without the time constraints associated with an external test house reducing which will reduce overall product development cost. The booth features the same equipment as found at the external test houses such as spectrum analysers, LISNS, current probes, various antennas and near-field probes.

“…Powervamp has once again proven a commitment to its program of continuous product development…”

Any product changes needed to pass the test process can be achieved far more easily during the design stage rather than retro-fitting additional circuits or components once the product has been completed, and then sent for testing. In order to prove compliance with the EMC standard, all Powervamp products are sent for final testing at an accredited external test house, but with the vast majority of tweaks and design changes made at Powervamp beforehand, the product would have a very high probability of passing quickly and easily.

Recent investment in EMC test equipment will allow the R&D staff to conform with the Low Voltage Directive 

In January 2018, the ISO 6858 Standard for Ground support electrical supplies was updated with stricter requirements for Ground Power Unit (GPU) manufacturers. One new section of the standard makes particular reference to the EMC emissions requirements at the input and output of any GPU. The test booth will allow the R&D team to retrospectively test all Powervamp GPU input/output cables to ensure they meet the current legislation and to keep the product range within the law and ahead of the competition. Powervamp has once again proven a commitment to its program of continuous product improvement by re-investing in its R&D division to maximise in-house productivity and reduce development expenditure.

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1. Powervamp

 

Alliance Transport Technologies is a UK based company supplying a wide range of new and remanufactured commercial vehicle electrical, and electronic components, such as instrument clusters, ECUs, gear selectors, PCBs and Adblue pumps.

The company also offers a free UK mainland collection and, where possible, next working day despatch. A repair-whilst-wait service is also available subject to staff availability.

“…currently taking on new customers at a staggering rate of one hundred per month…”

The company has built its reputation on its responsive maintenance and refurbishment service, often providing a faster turnaround at much keener prices than the original manufacturers. Customers can expect discounted savings up to 70% off new prices when compared to the OEM and main vehicle agents.

Alliance Transport Technologies is also proud to acknowledge its ISO 9001 accreditation and its commitment to quality and customer service by offering a twelve-month warranty on all aspects of the systems it repairs – not just faulty components.  Research and development of products/faults is a large part of Alliance Transport Technologies continuation to improve both the products and the services on offer.

The move to the new facility was key to the Alliance Transport Technologies expansion program

In 2016 the company out grew its old premises and moved into its new 11,000sq ft facility in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The spacious factory houses an expanded engineering division including its in-house designed ‘live part location’ software. The software allows the traceability of all booked jobs as they work their way through the system.

“…Alliance Transport Technologies was the obvious partner for us…”

Future updates will include additional production software to create an online portal, whereby customers will have the ability to book a collection online and trace the returned component through the entire repair process. The software will further expedite the speed of the turnaround time to offer the customer an even more satisfying service experience.

As the company continues to grow, it’s currently taking on new customers at a staggering rate of one hundred per month, which should keep the 36 members of staff occupied for the foreseeable future.

A small selection of products and services offered by Alliance Transport Technologies

Powervamp were first made aware of Alliance Transport Technologies in 2013, and were impressed with their professionalism and product knowledge – they were after all already repairing Powervamp jump start packs for their customers.

Alliance Transport Technologies were dealing with large bus/coach operators, haulage associations and municipal companies, however, it was the synergy with their expanding customer base that made the prospect of working together an obvious partnership.

“…with some exciting joint ventures in the pipeline, the future is looking very positive for both companies…”

In September 2014 Alliance Transport Technologies entered into talks with Powervamp which resulted in the electronics company taking over responsibility for the UK distribution of the entire range of Powervamp Automotive jump start packs.

Powervamp founder and chairman Richard Roller explains: “We wanted to ensure that we could maintain and build on our established presence in the automotive market, and decided that the best way forward would be to entrust our sales, marketing and technical backup to an established specialist in this field.  Alliance Transport Technologies was the obvious partner for us.”

One of the spacious engineering cells within the new facility

Alliance Transport Technologies have represented the automotive range of products for the last four years and, having been seen at many commercial exhibitions, are well known within the industry as the retail face of Powervamp Automotive.

With a large surge of recent orders being generated from the prolonged cold UK weather, and with some exciting joint ventures in the pipeline, the future is looking very positive for both companies.

“…callers will be transferred seamlessly to the Alliance sales office…”

Customers visiting the Powervamp web site will continue to see the automotive range listed there, and can click through to Alliance Transport Technologies’ Specialist Portable Power Packs website  to make a purchase.

A selection of Powervamp 12V DC and 12/24V DC professional jump start packs in reception

Callers telephoning Powervamp’s sales office will be transferred seamlessly to the Alliance Transport Technologies sales office for their enquiry to be processed.

The arrangement with Alliance Transport Technologies covers Powervamp automotive units sold within the UK. Existing arrangements for distribution of Powervamp automotive products in other countries are unaffected.

For more information on any Powervamp automotive product or service, please contact

Alliance Transport Technologies on0114 2477041, alternatively you can email sales@allianceelectronics.co.uk

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1. Powervamp

 

Powervamp is the designer, and manufacturer, of the ‘Portapump’ – a powerful DC operated portable fuel transfer system housed within a stainless steel tubular space frame.

The Portapump is a rugged, all-weather pump designed for the rapid fuelling or de-fuelling of all types of aircraft or vehicles using jet A1 or diesel with a flash point above 37^oC.

“…whether being used for humanitarian work in Africa or ski breaks in Greenland, the Portapump is designed for the harshest conditions…”

Its compact 49cm x 36cm x 33cm dimensions mean it can be transported by aircraft, helicopter or automotive vehicle and due to its relatively light 27kg weight, it can easily be carried by a single person.

Now in its 3^rd generation, the Portapump has been continuously modified over its 22 years of production with improvements including a revised filter assembly, miniaturised control panel and weight reduction program incorporating its current open frame design.

Portapump Mk1                                                                    Portapump Mk3

The customer base for portable GPU for aircrafts has grown rapidly over the last few years with a noticeable increase in sales attributed to its reputation for constant use in some of the most hostile environments.

Whether being used for humanitarian work in the punishing heat of Africa or to assist extreme ski breaks within the holiday sector in Greenland, the Portapump has been designed to cope with the harshest conditions.

“…the Portapump will filter contaminated fuel to 5 microns solids, and 2 parts per million water…”

One of its key features is the ability to operate from any 24V DC to 28V DC power source. This makes it ideal for running from a Powervamp 24V DC aviation GPU, automotive jump start pack or even a pair of truck batteries connected in series.

The Portapump is supplied with 2 x 3m individual suction and delivery hoses as well as a 2-piece aluminium standpipe to allow the refuelling from 45 gallon fuel drums.

The Portapump earning its keep with Air Greenlands Airbus AS 350 BS

Jet A1fuel is hygroscopic, (can absorb moisture from the air), which can cause contamination to fuel if left for extended periods of time. The Portapump will filter contaminated fuel to 5 microns solids, and 2 parts per million water.

This means fuel drums or containers with contaminated fuel, or fuel that would normally require a settling period after transportation to allow fuel/water to separate, can be pumped immediately saving time and money.

“…refuelling from multiple 45 gallon drums of Jet A1, a total of 9 round trips were made over an amazing 11 hour period…”

Even fuel drained from aircraft, vehicles or commercial plant machinery that would otherwise be discarded can safely be re-used once passed though the Portapump. The excess water is drained away via an external tap.

At the heart of the Portapump is a powerful 24V DC – 28V DC motor direct coupled to a high-speed pump with phosphor bronze sliding vanes. The pump is fitted with a thermal shutdown feature to protect against over heating, and is fully serviceable ensuring many years of use.

The Everett Aviation BK117 C-1 was re-fuelled 9 times from 45 gallon drums during the challenging exercise

One customer that appreciates the reliability and fast filtered fuel delivery of the Portapump is Kenya based Everett Aviation who were able to complete a monthly transfer operation of crew members from a moving survey vessel more than 100 miles off the East African coast.

Refuelling from multiple 45 gallon drums of Jet A1, each fuel uplift of 450 litres was completed in 5 minutes. A total of 9 round trips were made over an amazing 11 hour period during which the helicopter’s turbines were never shut down.

“…the latest batch of Portapumps are being assembled to be sent out to the most remote locations…”

An impressed Simon Everett, (Managing Director), commented:

“Any compounded delay in fuelling could caused major logistical problems. The operation had to be meticulously planned with fuel drums, men, vehicles at the ready. With each round trip covering 200 miles over water, nothing was left to chance. Successfully air lifting a total of 138 men and their personal kit in nine round trips – and landing on a moving vessel – demanded the highest skills. The whole operation was a tribute to my crew’s professionalism and to the equipment we operate.”

The Portapump assembly video is now available on the Powervamp TV and YouTube channel

As the latest batch of Portapumps are being assembled to be sent out to the most remote locations, Electromechanical Technician ,Dave Catling, from the DC Assembly Team took time out to document the build process for the latest video to be uploaded to the Powervamp TV channel.

For more information on the Portapump please contact the sales team at info@powevamp.com

or call our UK head office on +44 (0) 1934 643000.

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The project team carried out a site visit which resulted in the Effekta Range ‘EF33 ELI‘,  30kVA output, being specified as the most suitable inverter for the application.

Under Construction – The Ince Biomass Power Plant, Cheshire

Due to the limited manpower employed in that particular part of the plant, the client requested a 2 hour battery backup, (10 year life), to comply with the BS EN 50171 regulations.  The regulation specifies the general requirements for central power supply systems for an independent energy supply to essential safety equipment.

“…the increase in general enquiries for the Effekta Range is testament to the consistent high standard of work…”

In the event of a power failure, the ‘Effekta Range‘ emergency lighting central battery system switches over to battery power. Not only must the lighting be restored seamlessly, but the emergency system must also be able to maintain an acceptable lux level (brightness) for long enough to allow people to leave the premises safely.  Under UK law, there is an obligation for public buildings to be equipped with emergency lighting.

The service team completed the prelimiary installation towards the end of 2017, which also included a bespoke SNMP, (simple network management protocol), module to allow the existing lighting controls to integrate with the new EF33 ELI unit. The team also completed the battery build, which included the assembling of a flat-pack cladded stand as well as the installation of 40 x 150Ah front terminal batteries, weighing around 2 tons.

Artists Rendition of the Completed Site

The project team are currently awaiting the completion of work by the on-site electrical contractor before returning for the final commissioning.

The increase in general enquiries for the Effekta Range of emergency lighting central battery systems from recommendations is testament to the consistent high standard of work delivered by Powervamp, and once again reiterates the importance of our technical knowledge and customer support. If this isn’t what you’re looking for, contact our team today who will be more than happy to answer your queries, such as an explanation of a static frequency converter.

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1. Powervamp

Airside International magazine recently caught up with the Powervamp sales and marketing team on their bespoke Las Vegas themed stand at Inter Airport Europe – the worlds leading airport equipment exhibition.  

The following article is from the Airside International Winter 2017 edition.

 

Powervamp is a relative newcomer to the world of aviation ground power supply, but it has been quick to punch above its weight.

James Ackland, Powervamp’s sales director, explains that the Weston-super-Mare, England-headquartered company is little more than 20 years old (it was incorporated in 1994), but is now an important player in the ground power provision segment of the aviation industry.

“…much of the growth has stemmed from the popularity both of its Sidewinder cable carrier system…”

And Edward Roller, Powervamp’s marketing manager, notes that Powervamp is starting to beat the “big boys”, having quickly built up its share of the aviation ground power market.

It began life under – then and current – owner and founder Richard Roller as a manufacturer of automotive jump start packs but soon also diversified into the aviation business, initially with their 400hz frequency converters. Powervamp has since become a world-renowned ground power unit manufacturer for the Aviation industry.

Its ground-based power systems now include 400Hz AC ground power units (GPUs), transformer rectifier units, the successful Sidewinder cable carrier system, 28V battery carts, portable DC aircraft starter units (ASUs) and various other power supply systems.

In 2012, Powervamp acquired Effekta, (a specialist company in advanced power electronics), and this offered a significant one-off boost to its aviation sector footprint. Indeed, Powervamp has more than doubled its turnover since 2012, and is growing at a rate of about 20% a year right now.

“…(Coolspool Hybrid 300) is probably the world’s most powerful, versatile and compact hybrid GPU…”

Much of the growth has stemmed from the popularity both of its Sidewinder cable carrier system that facilitates the transfer of power from converter to aircraft, and of its PV90- 3 frequency converters. The demand for the latter system was illustrated recently by the award of a tender to Powervamp to supply 22 PV90-3 units into London Heathrow.

The first tranche of frequency converters has already been delivered and installed, while the second batch of PV90-3s is expected to be installed in March next year.

The company’s battery carts – its Coolspool 130, 260 and 410 ranges – are also proving their worth to a growing customer base, Ackland informs, being particularly well suited to powering the growing fleets of ATR aircraft in many parts of the world.

Powervamp’s hangar-friendly diesel-electric 28V Coolspool Hybrid 300 power provider is well suited to ATRs, as well as many other aircraft types such as Q400s and helicopters. It is probably the world’s most powerful, versatile and compact hybrid unit, Powervamp asserts: it uses a specially developed Power Boost System (PBS) that maintains the starting wattage and thereby allows fast cool starts on big turboprops while also offering good economics compared to other diesel or hybrid units.

“…the export market offers the primary focus of further proposed expansion for Powervamp…”

In fact, Powervamp’s wide range of GPUs and related power delivery equipment can support aircraft from the smallest helicopter to the giant A380 (Powervamp is on the ramp at many airports supporting A380 operations; for example, Birmingham’s Emirates A380 requirements are supplied by Powervamp).

And, while aviation remains the main driver of Powervamp’s recent growth, the company has interests in many other markets. For example, it supplies emergency lighting systems for various pieces of ground infrastructure and facilities – including Liverpool Football Club’s famous Anfield stadium.

As to the future, Ackland says that the export market offers the primary focus of further proposed expansion for Powervamp. The firm has a US distributor based in Boca Raton, Florida, that is tapping into the North American market, for example.

That distributor was active at the recent National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) event in Las Vegas in America to further drive interest in Powervamp products in a market in which the company already has an existing footprint at locations as exotic as Hawaii (in the Pacific, Powervamp also has its battery carts at work in Tahiti). Europe (beyond the UK) and South-east Asia are other geographical markets being targeted by Powervamp, Ackland confirms.

Finally, Roller, points out that Powervamp is investing in its service and support infrastructure, a vital aspect of the company offering as it grows its product range and its market share.

 

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1. Powervamp

Reflecting a gradual move to build up its presence in the business aviation market, Adams Aviation, one of Europe’s biggest distributors of aircraft parts, has renewed and strengthened its relationship with Powervamp Ltd, the leading UK-based ground power unit manufacturer.

Under the agreement between the two companies, Adams Aviation is able to distribute the full range of Powervamp aviation equipment to customers in Britain and across mainland Europe.

“Powervamp are now the go-to people for this kind of equipment…”

According to Adams’ chief executive, Stephen Gosling: “Having built up a major presence in the general aviation market, which tends to mean piston-engined aircraft, we are now finding growing interest among operators of turboprop and business jets.

The Adams Aviation team celebrating 50 years in the aviation trade supplier market.

“Powervamp are very good at this. We’ve worked with them for twenty years, and have found their ground power range robust and sophisticated. It’s well suited to running the more complicated avionics of these larger aircraft.”

He adds: “Powervamp are now the go-to people for this kind of equipment. Their commitment and responsiveness are second to none, and their products stand head and shoulders above the competition.”

“…avionics companies find the Powervamp GPU range extremely useful as they tend to have more planes per hangar than small aircraft operators…”

Adams Aviation was founded fifty years ago, and now distributes an extensive and diverse range of parts and equipment for many makes and types of aircraft and helicopters. These include airframe, electrical, engine and avionics parts and accessories, along with tools, engineers’ equipment, lubricants, paints and chemicals.

The purpose built facility has been home to the expanding Adams Aviation for the last 18 years.

Key products offered from the Powervamp range include its battery-based Coolspool hand-portable and trolley-mounted GPUs (ground power units), its power supply range and its Portapump portable fuel pump. Powervamp items not held in Adams’ extensive warehouse, such as its large 400Hz AC frequency converters, can be supplied by direct referral to Powervamp.

“…these days the industry is becoming much more professional, and companies like Powervamp are helping to lead that charge…”

Stephen Gosling says: “Electrical ground power is a growing market for us. Often the driver for our customers is a campaign change in aircraft specifications – the move to glass cockpits, for instance. Sometimes these changes come in response to a mandate applying to para-public fleets used in surveillance or rescue operations. During maintenance, conversion work and testing, reliable ground power is essential.”

He says avionics companies are finding the Powervamp GPU range extremely useful. “They tend to have more planes per hangar than small aircraft operators.”

Powervamp DC products are often used by avionics companies to facilitate software upgrades.

He says that historically, small aircraft operators used time-expired automotive batteries for ground power. “Back in the day, that’s what everyone did, and you can see remnants of that approach even now. But these days the industry is becoming much more professional, and companies like Powervamp are helping to lead that charge.”

Although UK-based, Adams Aviation has a large multi-lingual sales team, which includes French, German, Spanish, Hungarian and Polish speakers. Although there are local aircraft parts distributors in many countries, Adams’ large product range and fast response have ensured that the company has flourished in international markets.

Adams Aviation multilingual sales team ensure the company can conduct business in any continent.

Powervamp was founded 24 years ago, growing steadily from its original automotive jump-starting range into aviation ground power and emergency lighting power. Its head office and automotive division are based in Weston-super-Mare whilst its large production facility is located in Luton.

Adams Aviation was founded in 1968, and for most of its existence has been a family-run business. It is based at New Addington, Surrey.

You can contact Adams Aviation by calling +44 (0)1689 842999 or emailing mail@adamsaviation.com

1. Powervamp

All Powervamp hand-portable DC GPUs use EnerSys TPPL batteries with flat plates constructed from 99.9% pure lead.

Powervamp Coolspool 410 DC battery cart in daily use with Brazils Azul Airline on their fleet of ATR 72-600 aircraft.

These pure lead-acid batteries are in fact the most highly recycled consumer product on the planet. More than 97 percent of all lead-acid batteries* are recycled, a percentage that far outweighs most other consumer products. To put this into perspective, according to research by Battery Council International, 55 percent of aluminium cans are recycled, 45 percent of newspapers, 26 percent of glass bottles and 26 percent of tyres. Nearly 80% of a typical lead-acid battery is comprised of material that is recycled from older batteries.

1. Powervamp

With a requirement to replace their aging  existing diesel GPUs, in early 2016 Air Tahiti contacted UK manufacturer Powervamp for details on their unique 28V DC Coolspool battery powered GPU. It was agreed that the product was suitable for their ATR fleet and this led to a trial of Powervamp’s Coolspool rechargeable DC battery cart. Battery power was of  interest to the airline as part of its ongoing environmental policy of reducing carbon emissions where possible.

At the request of Air Tahiti, Powervamp shipped at its expense, a Coolspool 410 battery cart for a free trial. The Battery cart arrived at Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, in July 2016.  Two specialists from the UK flew to Papeete to demonstrate the battery powered GPU and to train Air Tahiti ground staff on its use.

“…the battery cart was extensively tested to see if it met Air Tahiti’s tough schedules…”

The rechargeable battery cart offered a number of benefits to the airline over the existing GPU – it was silent, emitted zero exhaust fumes and required no maintenance or expensive diesel.  It only needed to be recharged after use.

During the remaining months of 2016 the battery cart was extensively tested to see if it met Air Tahiti’s tough schedules. This period allowed the ground staff and flight crew to become familiar with the product and to understand its different features. For instance the number of turnarounds was limited before the cart had to be re-charged and charging took several hours.  By contrast, their existing diesel GPUs would  run continuously as long as they had fuel.

“…(the hybrid) was an immediate success with ground crew and pilots who were impressed with its performance…”

While Air Tahiti management saw the obvious benefits of operating ‘green’ battery powered ground power equipment, and ground crew and pilots welcomed the elimination of noise and fumes, it was felt by Air Tahiti’s-management that battery carts on their own were not the complete solution for the company.

The was a concentration of departures from Papeete  during the early morning every 15 minutes as tourists arriving from overnight long haul flights departed to the many idyllic islands within French Polynesia on Air Tahiti’s fleet of ATR72-600 turbo-prop aircraft.

In response to Air Tahit’s conerns about only using battery powered GPUs, Powervamp proposed a mix of GPUs with a combination of battery carts and their new diesel Coolspool Hybrid 300 GPU which was a combination of a small diesel engine and powerful batteries similar in concept to a hybrid car.

Powervamp were convinced that this combination of GPUs would give Air Tahiti the flexibility and performance they required at peak departure times.

“…Powervamp is putting together a comprehensive proposal that will see a number of Coolspool 410 battery carts and Diesel Hybrid GPUs replacing Air Tahiti’s existing diesel units…”

With Air Tahiti keen to trial this new combination unit with its reduced  CO2 emissions, Powervamp sent a trial Coolspool Hybrid 300 cart  to Tahiti which, following a 2 month sea voyage, arrived at the airport on the 20^th October and Powervamp again sent two specialists to supervise the unpacking and commissioning of the unit.  It was put into operation later the same day and was an immediate success with ground crew and pilots who were impressed with its performance.

The Coolspool Hybrid 300 GPU will remain on test until the end of January after which it will probably be shipped to Auckland or Hawaii where ATR operators, also using Powervamp battery carts, are interested in the Hybrid GPU.

Meanwhile, Powervamp is putting together a comprehensive proposal that will see a number of Coolspool 410 battery carts and Diesel Hybrid GPUs replacing Air Tahiti’s existing diesel units. This will deliver extensive savings in fuel, a big reduction in CO2 emissions and a major saving on maintenance costs as well as significant improvement in noise reduction for the benefit of the ground staff working around the aircraft.

Air Tahiti will be reviewing closely the performance of Powervamp’s Hybrid GPU during the 3 month evaluation trial and management will decide what action needs to be taken and whether the Powevamp  Coolspool 300 Hybrid GPU offers the solution Air Tahiti are seeking.

For more details on all Powervamp ground power units, download our latest aviation brochure.

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PRESS RELEASE

 

1. Powervamp

Powervamp has launched its new aviation ground power selector guide as part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring the most suitable ground power unit is recommended for each customers application.  The ground power selector guide has been populated with information gathered from existing customers, distributors and the numerous demonstrations that have taken place around the world by our aviation sales team.

The new selector allows visitors to the www.powervamp.com website to select the aircraft manufacturer and model from a series of easy to navigate dropdown menus. The guide will suggest a suitable turbine start unit and power supply from the Powervamp range of products, to give the visitor every power option.

The guide is currently only available for the DC range of products, however an AC equipment version will be online in the near future.

1. Powervamp

1. Powervamp

Powervamp is pleased to announce the launch of its new 2017 automotive product and accessories brochure.

The brochure contains detailed specifications of its range of 12V, 24V and 12/24V battery jump-starters as well as spare parts and available accessories.

The brochure launch is part of a new campaign designed to re-connect with Powervamp customers and to remind the industry why Powervamp is still the no.1 designer and manufacturer of professional jump-starting equipment.

As part of the campaign new service options, menu pricing, loyalty discount and special deals will be offered to customers, (details will follow in the next few weeks), to offer a more flexible and rewarding service from Powervamps automotive division.

For more details on how Powervamp can assist with your jump-starting applications –

call the sales team on 01934 643000 or email sales@powervamp.com

Powervamp – Always Startin’ Something!

 

 

1. Powervamp

Dutch military order for Nato 200 jump-starters underlines Powervamp distributor Lowland Aerospace’s commitment to full range

The Dutch military establishment is one of the latest organisations to choose the heavy-duty Nato 200 jump starter product from Powervamp. An order for an undisclosed but reportedly large number of the company’s Nato 200 units has been placed through Powervamp’s Dutch-based distributor, Lowland Aerospace.

“Powervamp has been one of the most helpful and proactive companies I’ve encountered…”

Powervamp’s Nato range of jump starters was originally developed for the Dutch military some years ago, and was subsequently adopted for civilian use. Among features that appealed were their simple design, robust build quality and massive power output. The Nato 200 can start all 12-volt engines, plus 24-volt commercial-vehicle engines up to 18 litres.

Powervamp Nato 200 – heavy duty 12v/24v jump-starter.

Although the Dutch distributor, Lowland Aerospace, operates primarily in the aviation industry, this order for automotive jump starters demonstrates that the company’s involvement with Powervamp extends across the whole of its product range – from car, truck and train jump starters to aviation ground power and battery-based units that can start a large jet engine.

“We always aim to offer high-quality products from suppliers, Powervamp scores highly in all these areas…”

Lowland Aerospace, a relatively young company, provides a parts supply, support, replacement and distribution service for the widely-used AW109 helicopter range from Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland). It is spearheaded by energetic sales director Koen Versseput, who has fifteen years’ experience in the aviation parts supply, component repair and exchange business, and has built up wide-ranging contacts throughout the industry. “Powervamp has been one of the most helpful and proactive companies I’ve encountered during that time,” he says.

First consignment of Lowland order being prepared for despatch.

“Lowland represents leading suppliers from various countries, so Powervamp was a good fit for us…”

Lowland supplies everything from instruments and avionics systems to hydraulics, rotor blades and engines. It keeps a stock of components and an exchange pool at its base in Hazerswoude, easily reached from The Hague, Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Utrecth. The company has built up a strong reputation in parts supply logistics, offering services such as vendor-managed inventory, consignment stock and exchange solutions.

Koen Versseput – Sales Director, Lowland Aerospace.

Lowland represents leading suppliers from various countries, “so Powervamp was a good fit for us,” Koen says. Currently the distribution agreement with Powervamp covers The Netherlands, but its own activities involve clients from around the world.

“We always aim to offer high-quality products from suppliers who provide leading-edge products, fast, responsive customer support and reliable service backup,” Koen adds. “Powervamp scores highly in all these areas.”

Lowland is certified as meeting the AS9120 quality standard, which incorporates ISO9001 quality approval and extends it to cover aerospace-specific requirements. “Powervamp of course is also approved to ISO9001 standard,” Koen points out.

“We have exciting expansion plans in development for Lowland Aerospace…”

The Powervamp Nato 200 model being supplied to the Dutch military differs slightly from what is now a standard civilian Powervamp product, incorporating small changes such as longer connector leads to provide better reach when used with very large military vehicles. In addition, the trolleys being supplied with the Nato 200 Twin model (featuring two Nato packs in parallel) are finished in military green instead of yellow to match the powder-coated green steel cases of the units themselves.

Nato 200 is currently used in plant, commercial and transport industries.

Like all Powervamp engine starters, each unit contains high-performance sealed AGM (absorbent glass mat) lead acid batteries manufactured by Enersys. These specialist batteries are able to deliver massive current instantly, which is ideal for starting engines and turbines. They have no memory effect, can hold their charge for over 12 months, and are considered a perfect power source for the well proven Nato product range.

“We have exciting expansion plans in development for Lowland Aerospace,” Koen Versseput says, “and we look forward to progressing them in association with committed, high-quality suppliers such as Powervamp.”

1. Powervamp

In response to a challenge encountered by one of the world’s biggest low cost airlines to provide night-time ground power to its fleet of single aisle aircraft, where there was no power source, and night time noise curfew prohibited the use of diesel generators, UK-based specialist manufacturer Powervamp Ltd developed a true world first.

Powervamp’s PV20 Power Bank is a mobile rechargeable 115V AC battery-powered 400Hz ground power cart.

The airline’s problem arose when these heavily utilised aircraft needed their cabins cleaned during the night, ready for the following day’s first flight. At many airports around Europe, ramp space at night with electric ground power is expensive or not available. In such cases the aircraft are routinely parked remotely, usually at a point where there is no utility power meaning operators have to rely on expensive, noisy, diesel-driven ground power.

“The key challenge involved creating 115V AC 400Hz power from a high-voltage DC battery source, and delivering it to the very high standard required for aircraft avionics…”

A previously unsolved problem arises when last flights of the day land close to the time when an airport noise curfew, usually around 10pm is in operation. Noise curfews prohibit the use of any diesel-driven ground power, thereby depriving the aircraft operator of the necessary power source to operate the cabin lights and vacuum cleaners.

For many months, one major airline sought a solution to the problem. What was required was a silent, pollution-free aircraft electrical power source that could be positioned anywhere at the airport. This raised a fundamental question: was there in fact such a thing? And if not, was it possible to create a self-contained ground power unit capable of delivering the 115V AC 400Hz power that aircraft such as the Boeing 737-800, Airbus A319 and A320 required?

The low cost airline in question had researched suppliers throughout China, the United States and Europe, before finally contacting UK manufacturer Powervamp Ltd, a specialist in aviation products. Powervamp already offers a proven battery-based 28V DC ground power solution for regional jets andturboprops– its award winning Coolspool battery cart. However, the question put to Powervamp was whether the company could combine the technologies of its DC battery cart and its solid-state 115V AC 400Hz converters to produce a brand new product to solve this problem?

Although the key elements of the Coolspool carts and Powervamp’s solid state frequency converters were well proven and in current production, Powervamp’s design team, based at its Luton factory, needed to solve complex integration issues. The key challenge involved creating 115V AC 400Hz power from a high-voltage DC battery source, and delivering it to the very high standard required for aircraft avionics.

“Powervamp has demonstrated its design skills in producing a self-contained, towable battery-electric system that can deliver clean AC power…”

The successful prototype – the PV20 Power Bank – met the all the airlines stringent demands. As a minimum, the Power Bank had to deliver a 20kW or 10Kw output for at least three hours – providing the power to run the cabin lights and equipment needed for cleaning multiple aircraft in succession on a single charge.

The prototype unit, which was inspected by the airline at Luton, was transported to the their main maintenance base for extended tests. These demonstrated that the PV20 Power Bank was able to run the cabin lighting and provide power for up to six normal aircraft cleans or three deep cleans on a single charge – twice the airlines original requirement. The PV20 Power bank will deliver up to 20kW for a shorter period.

The PV20 uses an array of high-performance sealed lead acid batteries, installed together with a specially designed Powervamp converter, mounted on a chassis designed for towing by any suitable vehicle.

In typical use the PV20 is charged from a three-phase electrical supply during the day, then towed to each aircraft during the night.

“With the original prototype now more than three and a half years old and still in daily use, the huge savings in diesel costs, have given the airline outstanding advantages…”

With this product, Powervamp has demonstrated its design skills in producing a self-contained, towable battery-electric system that can deliver the clean AC power needed for running cabin lights and cleaning at least three medium-sized aircraft such as the Boeing 737, Airbus A319 in succession on a single charge.

Moreover, the Powervamp solution is silent and pollution-free in operation, incurs much lower running and maintenance costs than a diesel-powered generator, and is “greener” overall in its environmental impact.

With the original prototype now more than three and a half years old and still in daily use, the benefits in reduced CO2 emissions and lack of noise, combined with the huge savings in diesel costs, have given the airline outstanding advantages which include a much improved working environment for ground staff who do not suffer the continuous noise associated with a diesel GPU.

If you require any additional information on this true world first mobile rechargeable 115V AC battery-powered 400Hz ground power cart – please contact sales@powervamp.com or call +44 (0) 1934 643000 and speak to our sales team.

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Due to the Powervamp program of continuous improvement and development, a revised aviation brochure has been launched to profile new aviation products, improved specifications and also reflect services provided to the most recent airshows.

The new 40+ page detailed brochure will be officially launched at the next months Inter-Airport Europe where it will be available to collect from the Powervamp stand – no. 1124, hall A5.

1. Powervamp

Cadtek has been established for over 28 years and has unrivalled experience in providing design solutions for designers and engineers across all disciplines and multiple industries.

The company provide CAD (computer aided design) solutions within the SolidWorks portfolio. The software allows for 3D design, simulations, testing and virtual prototyping of any design, or management, of the associated files and documents.

The company has also been recognised as an ‘Elite Reseller’ 9 times in the last 11 years – an achievement that hasn’t been matched by any other SolidWorks Reseller in the UK.

In December 2016 Powervamp was approached to participate in a SolidWorks / Cadtek case study film to highlight the various CAD features being utilised within the Powervamp CAD suite.  The company was chosen due to its diverse use of the SolidWorks software across a wide range of automotive, emergency lighting, static frequency and aviation products.

The software allows Powervamp to develop products in house, retain control over the designs, whilst demonstrating this within data sheets, manuals and the even the website.

“The software has transformed the way in which Powervamp approaches its design process…”

One aspect that has really benefitted the R&D team is the ‘flow simulation’ feature. This has been used on a number of products that are regularly exported to countries that experience far hotter ambient temperatures than the UK.

Excessive heat surrounding the complex circuitry in products such as the PV90-3 frequency converter can reduce product longevity. The CAD engineers can manipulate virtual fan blades, airflow and even vortexes within the software to understand how to maximise cooling within these enclosures.

Powervamp also incorporate a lot of chassis into their towable ground power units, which uses a lot of thick gauge metal. SolidWorks can show where the loading takes place and allows the engineers to optimise the designs by reducing the metal gauge where necessary.

The software has transformed the way in which Powervamp approaches its design process by greatly reducing the requirement for numerous prototypes. This expedites the concept to production process which saves money for both the company, and the customer.

Cadtek have included a full transcript of the video as part of their case study feature HERE, however the finished video is available to watch on the Powervamp YouTube channel by clicking the below link:

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1. Powervamp

In a hotly contested bid over which company would supply the latest batch of solid state 90kVA FEGP, (fixed electrical ground power), converters to London Heathrow Airport, UK manufacturer Powervamp Ltd was selected to supply an order of 22 of its latest PV90-3 frequency converters for stands 209, 210, 211, 212 and 213 at the worlds busiest airport.

In a move which follows an earlier order placed by Heathrow with Powervamp last year that brought an end to a monopoly situation, this second multiple order is conformation of the reliability and performance of Powervamp’s all British design.

The product, manufactured at Powervamps Luton UK factory, is fast becoming the aircraft static inverter of choice at Britain’s major airports with Heathrow, London City, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh all selecting Powervamps PV90-3 frequency converter over competitors products.

“…when an unexpected situation demands a period of sustained very high power or overload, our design philosophy of being able to maintain full load for an extended period puts us in front…”

With Heathrow operating continuously at maximum capacity, reliability and durability were key issues in the selection of Powervamp’s PV90-3 FEGP units. The product has already proved itself under extreme testing and demonstrated its ability to handle severe and extended overload situations.

Company founder and Chairman Richard Roller commented

“While miniaturisation and value engineering may be good for margins,, when an unexpected situation demands a period of sustained high power or overload, (as we witnessed at Heathrow during daily wide body maintenance),  design philosophy of being able to maintain full load for an extended period puts us in front”.

“Unlike some manufacturer’s that claim product modularity through the use of individual PCBs, Powervamp’s PV90-3 converter has a genuine one piece electronics module….”

Unlike some manufacturer’s that claim product modularity through the use of individual PCBs, Powervamp’s PV90-3 converter has a genuine one piece electronics module that can be unplugged and swapped in its entirety in less than 5 minutes. Some other products require individual PCB swap outs until the fault is found.  Apart from requiring a large stock holding of individual boards, it is a time consuming process, which inevitably leads to issues of PCB storage and husbandry. On another note, did you know we also offer emergency lighting products?

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1. Powervamp

Portable self-contained ground power units, (GPUs), from Powervamp “have transformed the versatility” of Florida-based Boca Aircraft Maintenance (BAM), according to co-founder David Hintzke.

Boca Aircraft Maintenance provides general aviation service and support for a wide range of corporate and business jets from makers such as Falcon, Learjet, Challenger, Eclipse, Gulfstream and Hawker. They are based at Boca Raton, fifty miles north of Miami.

“Boca Aircraft Maintenance currently use half a dozen different GPUs from the Powervamp ground power range…”

Powervamp is a world leader in aviation ground power units. Its product range extends from hand-portable DC aircraft start units to heavy duty ‘Coolspool’ battery-carts as well as its diesel-driven hybrid models. Powervamp also designs and manufactures its own range of mains-powered aviation 400Hz frequency converters.

Boca Aircraft Maintenance currently use half a dozen different GPUs from the Powervamp ground power range including the PS300 DC power supply, Coolspool 29 and Coolspool 260 DC battery cart.

The engine start units used by Boca Aircraft Maintenance can provide power for a variety of aircraft types, including larger twin-turbine aircraft. The trolley mounted Coolspool 260 is capable of starting all medium sized jet aircraft and is the largest Powervamp unit used to date.

“The Powervamp units are so compact and portable…the versatility of the product range helps us with AOG (aircraft on ground) situations…”

Some Powervamp units are also designed to power on-board electrics and avionics suites whilst the aircraft are on the ground. The power supply models are designed to provide a constant ‘clean’ 28V DC for as long as the aircraft requires the power.

When Boca Aircraft Maintenance was founded in 2009, the company used much larger and more conventional diesel-driven ground power units. “It was a buyers’ market,” David Hintzke says, “so that approach suited us at the time.

“But the old units were unwieldy, and only lived in the hangar. The Powervamp units are so compact and portable in comparison that we can quickly move them wherever they are required.”

“We’re big Powervamp fans and look forward to working closely with the company for many years to come…”

That flexibility extends to work undertaken at external sites. The company’s technicians simply load a Powervamp unit into a service van and take it with them to the customer’s premises. “We look on the Coolspool 29 as a ‘jump box’,” David says. “It’s no bigger than a suitcase, yet it can start an aircraft engine from its own internal battery.

On some occasions we might connect a lightweight PS100 to a local power outlet to provide DC power whilst we perform software upgrades. The versatility of the product range helps us with AOG (aircraft on ground) situations”

There are other benefits to the Powervamp range besides its portability, David says. “They’re reliable, they’re weatherproof, and because they are battery or electrically powered they’re clean and cause no noise pollution.”

Boca Aircraft Maintenance isn’t just impressed with the Powervamp product range; David is also enthusiastic about the company’s sales and service performance. “It’s top notch,” he says. “Powervamp USA is itself located in Boca Raton, so we have become an invaluable resource for gathering in-service experience with Powervamp products.”

“As Boca Aircraft continues to grow, the company expects to expand its presence in nearby Miami…”

So keen is Boca Aircraft on the Powervamp range that it has even found itself in the position of a reseller, supplying a number of Powervamp ground power units directly to customers. This applies particularly to the Coolspool 17 unit, which is supplied with a 26V DC output specifically designed for the Eclipse 500 / 550 series aircraft. Boca Aircraft is an Eclipse approved service centre, supporting aircraft from all over the world.

As Boca Aircraft continues to grow, the company expects to expand its presence in nearby Miami. As and when that happens, the company will be adding further Powervamp units for use there. “We’re big Powervamp fans,” David Hintzke says “and look forward to working closely with the company for many years to come”.

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1. Powervamp

Inter airport Europe 2017, will open its doors at the Munich Trade Fair Centre in Germany from 10th – 13th October later this year.  Industry experts from airports, airlines, air cargo carriers and aviation-support in demand of the latest equipment and tailor-made solutions for ground handling, terminal operations, airport IT and airport design will make their way across Europe to visit this prestigious event.

Inter airport Europe takes place every two years and is divided into four exhibition categories:

interRAMP (ground support equipment),

interTERMINAL (technical terminal installations and services),

interDATA (specialised hardware and software) and

interDESIGN (architecture and furnishings).

Live demonstrations of new products and innovations are a key feature of inter airport Europe, and a series of conferences and workshops will once again run alongside the show, focussing on key challenges and future developments within the airport industry.

Powervamp will once again be exhibiting at this key aviation exhibition, within the interRAMP section, with a range of its airport specific products including the hugely successful Sidewinder cable carrier system, PV90-3 and PV45 400Hz frequency converters, TRU2400-2 transformer rectifier unit and the award winning Coolspool 410 DC power cart.

Powervamp has recently won large contracts at London Heathrow and Birmingham airports where Sidewinder units were installed on a number of stands coupled to the PV90-3 400Hz frequency converters.  The in-house designed equipment can provide power to the largest commercial passenger aircraft including the Airbus A380 and  Boeing B747-400.

This year will see a bespoke stand design created for the exhibition with seating, video screens, bar, and even a Las Vegas themed meet’n’greet area with an original slot machine! (more details to follow) Visit stand 1124 in hall A5 to view the range of airport power products and pick up a copy of the latest Powervamp aviation brochure.

To book an appointment with the sales team to discuss your airport power requirements,

email sales@powervamp.com, call +44 (0) 1934 643000 or fill out a contact form HERE.

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1. Powervamp

CAD (computer aided design) has transformed almost every aspect of the output of Powervamp, the leading manufacturer of aviation ground power units, emergency power systems, static frequency converters and automotive jump-starting equipment. Activities ranging from design conceptualisation to detailed product specification have been streamlined, and the benefits have been felt everywhere from the factory floor to the sales team and even the marketing department.

“In short, CAD has swept through every aspect of Powervamp’s activities, and has become central to everything we do….”

“Above all, our customers gain,” says Ian Stuart, one of the company’s mechanical CAD design engineer. “We can bring products to market more quickly. We can take cost out of our equipment by reducing material thickness and complexity.”

“We can simulate real-world performance to improve product durability and life expectancy. We can also develop bespoke designs more easily to meet the unique requirements from our customers.”

At the same time, he says, the rendering capabilities of CAD make it an ideal marketing tool. “We can create convincing three-dimensional design drawings to show customers our proposals. We can generate lifelike pictures of product variants before we’ve even built them, and use them in tender documents, brochures and marketing material allowing  us to receive approval without the need for prototyping.”

“In some cases full 3D models can be emailed that will allow the client to manipulate the image to offer them a complete visualisation of the product. In short, CAD has swept through every aspect of Powervamp’s activities, and has become central to everything we do.”

“The software can analyse a design for access, ensuring a service engineer has the suitable freedom to test…”

Powervamp’s CAD system runs on conventional high-end PCs with large amounts of memory. It holds a “library” of components, fixings and existing designs, which Powervamp engineers have augmented with less mainstream equipment found in its specialised industry sector – aircraft electrical connectors, for instance.

Powervamp’s engineers are able to model these components themselves, harnessing the CAD package’s power and versatility.

When details of a new or updated product are uploaded, engineers now use the CAD system to ensure that all the components are fit for purpose, and can be assembled in a logical process.

“The software can be used to analyse a design for access, ensuring a service engineer has the suitable freedom to test, or replace, components where necessary. We can also check the implications of using different materials for any component,” Ian Stuart says.

Powervamp has gone beyond the basics with its CAD system, adding a module that applies finite element analysis to its designs. This allows its engineers to check point loads and to simulate vibration frequencies and the strength of welds. The system calculates the minimum requirements in terms of structural design and material thickness – reducing weight and cost, yet increasing life expectancy at the same time.

“CAD has even enabled us to identify unexpected air vortices where the air flow was not what we anticipated..”

So detailed is the CAD analysis that it can even take account of the extra thickness that painting or powder-coating will add to a component. “It might only increase the thickness of an individual item by as little as 0.2mm,” Ian says, “but when aggregated over multiple items, it could affect the viability of the intended design. CAD takes away the guesswork from this kind of calculation.”

Another specialist CAD module allows Powervamp to simulate airflow across and through its assemblies – an invaluable feature, since many of its products feature heat-generating components such as semi-conductors.

“We can investigate the way air flows over a heat sink,” Ian says. “We check whether it’s doing its job properly – absorbing heat that would otherwise compromise the life expectancy of the components it’s meant to protect.” The system can even take account of the ambient air temperature in different parts of the world”.

“There have been some surprises,” Ian says. “CAD has enabled us to identify unexpected air vortices, and instances where the air flow was not what we anticipated. These discoveries have now worked their way into design improvements.”

“The software can even simulate a product at midday in Dubai or in the afternoon in Somerset…”

It has been especially beneficial to have the CAD system on site at the Powervamp factory, rather than at a remote site run by external consultants, Ian points out. “We can run ‘what-if’ conceptualisations and costings relatively quickly, allowing the design team and production team to review the results face to face, and agree on design changes if any are necessary.

For instance, we might decide it would be desirable to reposition a button or a dial – the software allows us to make these decisions quickly.”

He adds: “Fine-tuning like this can have surprisingly wide-ranging knock-on effects, speeding up the whole product development process.”

In a recent application, Powervamp was asked to develop a special version of its Coolspool Hybrid 300 diesel ground power unit to be mounted on the back of a pickup truck, rather than using its own integral trailer. CAD enabled the company to mock up a suitable bespoke frame much more quickly than would have been possible using conventional engineering practices.

“The dedicated Powervamp CAD suite has brought so many benefits to the design process that it’s quickly become a way of life..”

CAD’s ability to generate convincing lifelike product images, often indistinguishable from photographs, has proved particularly appealing for Powervamp’s sales and marketing departments. “We can vary the focal length and depth of field of the virtual lens, add reflections, even simulate the intensity of light at different times of day,” Ian says.

“The software can even simulate a product at midday in Dubai or in the afternoon in Somerset, and we can add labels and decals to suit.” “The fact that we can create a virtual studio without the need to physically photograph a product, or object, has saved an enormous amount of time and resource.

Whilst “quick and dirty” simulations can be generated in a relatively short time, detailed photo-realistic images can sometimes take much longer to render, so the company utilises a dedicated powerful computer just for full simulations and rendering.

“It’s hard now to imagine life at Powervamp without CAD,” Ian says. “The dedicated Powervamp CAD suite has brought so many benefits to the design process that it’s quickly become a way of life for us allowing us to offer our customers quality products and cost effective bespoke solutions”

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1. Powervamp

 

As the 52^nd International Paris Airshow gets underway, the pressures starts to ease temporarily for the Powervamp Airshow team. 400Hz frequency converters, 28V DC power supplies and 3 and 5 tonne coolers have been situated by their respective aircraft to allow the worlds major airframe manufacturers to showcase their latest aircraft and technologies.

“Power is required to run a multitude of on board systems to give any potential customer the complete luxury experience…”

Manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Dassault and Embraer all rely on Powervamp to deliver a high level of service to enable the manufacturers to maximize the aircrafts impact whilst being demonstrated in the static display.

Power is required to run a multitude of on board systems such as avionics suites, ambient cabin lighting, fridges, entertainment systems and coffee machines to give any potential customer the complete luxury experience whilst inside the aircraft to allow the sales team to make their pitch.

“As expected, temperatures have already crept up to 35^oC and are set to get higher…”

One of the more interesting exhibitors being powered on the static display for their first time is Mitsubishi. The company is showing its new MRJ, (Mitsubishi regional jet), aircraft that’s set to go head-to head with Bombardier and Embraer in the regional jet market.

The MRJ is a twin engine aircraft with a capacity of 70 – 90 passengers and has been manufactured by the Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation – a partnership between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the Toyota Motor Corporation with some design additional assistance from Fuji Heavy Industries.

It will be the first airliner designed and produced in Japan since the 1960’s, with anticipated deliveries expected in 2020 and is being exhibited at the airshow before moving on to the UK and USA.

The Powervamp airshow team worked very closely with the Mitsubishi to ensure all their power and cooling requirements were met, and have even liaised with the on site electrical contractor on their behalf to overcome teething problems during the early set up period.  To show their appreciation Powervamp Chairman, Richard Roller, was requested to be present in the company photo, such was the appreciation of the level of service provided.

“…thoughts now turn to breakdown and the re-loading of the lorries prior to the 7hr return journey…”

With all the equipment out on the static display it just remains for the team to carry out early morning inspections during start up followed by regular walk abouts to ensure all kit is operating correctly.

As expected, temperatures have crept up to 35^oC and are set to get higher as the airshow continues throughout the week putting the equipment, and staff, under pressure to perform faultlessly in the heat.

Even though the International Paris Airshow is only in to its 3^rd day, thoughts now turn to breakdown and the re-loading of the lorries prior to the 7hr return journey back to the UK – a task that will require all the team to dig deep having been away for 18 days.

1. Powervamp

As the 52^nd International Paris Airshow opens its doors to the worlds media and business visitors, it’s important to acknowledge the background detail that ensures the smooth running of the worlds oldest airshow.

“…it’s the fluid nature of the show that remains the biggest challenge…”

Although the Powervamp air show team arrived on site eight days ago, its the meticulous planning that started early last year that will be the key to successfully powering the static display area.

Manufacturing schedules, aircraft power requirements and calculated cable runs based upon junction box locations are all taken into account, however, it’s the fluid nature of the show that remains the biggest challenge with changes even being made during the airshow as aircraft are positioned, and repositioned or additional aircraft are brought in at the last minute.

The three artic lorries carrying the PV90-4 400Hz frequency converters, 3-tonne and 5-tonne air conditioning units and PS300 28V DC power supplies have been unloaded into their designated compound in the middle of the static air park.

“The pressure mounts exponentially for the team as the requirement for ground power becomes their main priority…”

All equipment will need a careful physical inspection both internally and externally prior to before being distributed to the various static display areas to ensure it is in perfect working order after its long journey from the Powervamp Barton-le-Clay factory.

The pressure mounts exponentially for the team as the requirement for ground power becomes the main priority for all the airframe manufactures showcasing their latest aircraft. Long hours ensue over the last few days of set up as the team compete against the clock to supply and position all equipment, but the experienced team are used to working under these high pressure situations.

 

1. Powervamp

The 52nd Paris International Airshow will take place at the Le Bourget Parc des Expositions from 19 to 25 June 2017, and will once again bring together all the players in the aviation global industry as well as the latest technological innovations.

The show is held every 2 years and has more than 150 aircraft displayed to visitors, of which a number of these are also involved in the famous flying display held every afternoon.

These spectacular displays are one of the show’s high points, giving airframe manufacturers the opportunity to showcase their technological expertise and allowing visitors to witness the latest innovations.

Powervamp has once again been awarded the unique contract to supply ground power to all aircraft on display in the static park for the duration of the show.

The airshow runs from Monday 19th to Sunday 25th June, although Monday to Thursday are classed as ‘trade’ days, Friday is reserved college and university students and the weekend is general admission.

“With typical temperatures in excess of 31 degrees centigrade on the tarmac, the airshow division will have to work flawlessly…”

The Paris International Airshow alternates each year with the Farnborough International Airshow, (which was also powered by Powervamp last year), and is the 8th time Powervamp has been awarded the contract.

The event is the world’s largest and oldest air show and was established in 1909. Presidents, prime ministers and royalty are regular guests and one of the major purposes of the events is to demonstrate military and civilian aircraft to potential customers. Major aircraft sales contracts are often withheld, only to be announced by manufacturers during the show.

“Powervamp has been awarded the prestigious International Paris Airshow contract for the 8th time…”

Powervamp will supply, and install, a range of 45kVA & 90kVA frequency converters, as well as DC power supplies and air-conditioning units to provide silent power to the world’s largest airframe manufacturers including Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Pilatus, and Gulfstream.

With typical temperatures in excess of 31 degrees centigrade on the tarmac, the airshow division will have to work flawlessly despite the heat to ensure cable runs are specified correctly, equipment is tested prior to installation and all exhibitors receive a first class service.

As preparations get under way, and the equipment starts its final test procedure before being loaded for its journey to Paris, the aviation airshow team will be familiarising themselves with this years site map and dealing with last minute power requests – as well as keeping a mindful eye on the weather.

With a multitude of collective experience, the team know how the blistering midday heat or torrential rain could affect the otherwise smooth running of an airshow.

The airshow team always have a fluid plan incorporating several back-ups alternatives to ensure they deliver the usual first class service, whatever the situation…which is one of the reasons why Powervamp have been awarded this prestigious contract for a record 8th time!

For more information on the full range of Powervamp aviation products, or the airshow division, please call

+44 (0)1934 643000 or email sales@powervamp.com

 

1. Powervamp

France Air Expo Lyon is the only GA, (general aviation), exhibition in France.  The exhibition will open its doors from Thursday 8^th June to Saturday 10^th June at Lyon Bron Airport.

The event will bring together the major players in general & business aviation, enabling visitors to discover the industry’s latest developments and innovations from ultralights to business jets, helicopters, services, equipment, insurance, avionics & training.

This year Powervamp will be joining forces with long standing French distributer, Semia, at this prestigious exhibition.  Powervamp and Semia will be showcasing a large range of ground power units including portable aircraft start units and 28.5V DC continuous supplies.

Visit the aviation DC sales team to discuss your power requirements,

alternatively you could call 01934 643000 or email sales@powervamp.com.

1. Powervamp

The 2nd British-Irish Airports Expo will take place on the 7th-8th June at the NEC, Birmingham.  Last years in inaugural launch show was the largest ever airport industry exhibition staged in Britain or Ireland, where industry suppliers and service providers of all sizes showcased their latest solutions and concepts.

This years exhibition has moved to a significantly larger hall at the Birmingham NEC and expects the show to grow beyond 200+ exhibitors.  The vehicle display area will also increase in size and move inside the venue to offer attendees a display of the latest airport vehicles on the market.

Powervamp is pleased to announce that it will be exhibiting again at this new and exciting exhibition and will display a range of products  already in use at a number of UK airports.  Powervamp has its 400Hz equipment at  London City, Heathrow, Bristol, Edinburgh and of course Birmingham Airport where four PV90-3 frequency converters have been installed with the ‘Sidewinder‘ cable carrier system on Stand 54 to power the Emirates A380 aircraft.

To find out more about Powervamp airport equipment, visit our sales team on stand G41 or contact sales@powervamp.com.  Alternatively, you may wish to call out sales team on 01934 643000 to discuss your power requirements.

1. Powervamp

This year AeroExpo has returned to Wycome Air Park, Buckinghamshire. With its close proximity to the South East of England, Wycombe Air Park will enable a greater concentration of private pilots, coupled with a high demand of GA, (general aviation), flying in the area to visit the show.

Over 12 years AeroExpo has established itself as the dedicated GA event to attend in the UK. It’s where the UK’s aviation professionals, enthusiasts and press come to see, try and buy the latest products & services available in a traditional airfield setting.

AeroExpo brings together business jets, fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, ultralight aircraft, gliders, propulsion systems, avionics equipment, e-flight, and unmanned air vehicles all together in an easily accessible site just off the M40 motorway.

Powervamp will be exhibiting a large range of products, including portable aircraft start units, 28.5V DC continous power supplies, the award winning ‘Coolspool‘ heavy duty battery carts as well as the in-house designed and manufactured portable fuelling / de-fuelling jet A1 pump system – the Portapump.

Visit the DC sales team over the 3 day exhibition at stand B13, and find out how Powervamp can assist you with you aviation power requirements.

1. Powervamp

The 2017 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2017) will take place from 22 to 24 May at Geneva’s magnificent Palexpo.

Thousands of business leaders, government officials, manufacturers, flight department personnel and all manner of people involved in nearly every aspect of business aviation will meet to conduct business and make buying decisions for the year ahead. EBACE exhibits will showcase more than 500 exhibitors and 60 business aircraft on static display.

“The exhibition will host some 500 exhibiting companies covering 36,000 square meters…”

EBACE is jointly hosted each year by the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), the leading association for business aviation in Europe, and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the leading voice for the business aviation industry in the United States.

Although EBACE is the only major European event focused solely on business aviation, attendees come from as far as Africa, Asia, the Middle East and North and South America.

The impressive exhibition takes place over the course of three days at the magnificent Palexpo, which is strategically located within 10 minutes of the center of Geneva, and is immediately adjacent to the EBACE Static Display of Aircraft at the Geneva International Airport.

“Powervamp is pleased to announce that it will be supporting its Swiss distributor, Flight-Ops…”

The exhibition will host some 500 exhibiting companies covering 36,000 square meters including 60 business aircraft in a special 18,000 square meter static display.

Powervamp is pleased to announce that it will be supporting its Swiss distributor, Flight-Ops, at the exhibition. Normally based at their FBO in Sion, Flight-Ops will promote their services as well as exhibiting a range of Powervamp products comprising of portable battery start units, including the world famous Coolspool range, 28.5 VDC continuous power supplies and heavy duty battery carts.

To find out more about Powervamp ground power equipment, visit booth S104, or email info@powervamp,com.

1. Powervamp

The Police of the Czech Republic, or Policie České Republiky as they are known locally, are an armed security force established by the National Council Act in 1991. The force was established to protect people, property and public order and to also prevent criminal offences as stipulated by the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The force is also responsible for search and rescue operations and on this behalf cooperates with Mountain Rescue Service of the Czech Republic that is highly professional rescue agency.

The aviation division of the police recently purchased 2 x Coolspool 300 Hybrid diesel ground power units through Powervamp’s German distributor, Telemeter Electronic. The Coolspool 300 Hybrid originally developed in 1995 for the UK military as a low cost self-contained GPU designed to supply continuous DC power all day for pre- flight/avionics and random turbine starting.

“Its absolutely essential the helicopters are in a constant state of readiness…”

The Police of the Czech Republic procured the Coolspools to start the large fleet of Bell 412 and Eurocopter EC135 helicopters based in Prague and Brno.

Its absolutely essential the helicopters are in a constant state of readiness due as they are relied upon to perform critical operations such as border patrols, surveillance and HEMS (helicopter emergency medical service).

Representatives from the Powervamp aviation and technical divisions were invited to the Václav Havel Airport, Prague, to train the ground handlers, maintenance staff and operators of The Police of the Czech Republic on how to use the Coolspool ground power units before they could be fully commissioned.

“The commissioning and product training was a great success…”

The five hour training session was conducted in front of a large team of engineers and outlined the key features of the Coolspool – including the 4000A output for aircraft starting, 300A continuous power for running the avionics suite and 110V/230V power outputs for general ramp use.

The session was hailed a success with further enquiries being made for another Coolspool Hybrid 300, as well as portable DC ground power units, frequency converters and DC power supplies.We also offer emergency lighting products.

Powervamp DC Aviation Sales Manager, Phil Horn, commented

“This was a fantastic opportunity for us to work alongside our distributors and to see the Czech police aviation engineers in operation with our equipment. The commissioning and product training was a great success and we were also able to discuss their imminent plans for a new air base in the north of the country. We look forward to supplying them with more equipment in the not too distant future.”

Powervamp wishes to thank The Police of the Czech Republic for their warm welcome and hospitality during the training session as well as Telemeter Electronic for their consistent support and professionalism during the sales process.

1. Powervamp

Colas Rail is one of the worlds leading suppliers of railway infrastructure services. The award winning company has designed and constructed all forms of railway across Europe and the UK.  In the UK Colas Rail combines the engineering skills of their specialist businesses to provide total solutions in all aspects of railway infrastructure, from high speed rail systems to light and urban rail.

Colas Rail chose to work with Powervamp to develop a backup starting solution to support Network Rails new €50m investment in the ‘Robel 69.70/4 Mobile Maintenance Systems‘ (MMS). The MMS is designed to provide a safe and well-lit environment for on-track staff, protecting them from passing trains and the weather and features three vehicles, the Traction Supply Unit, Intermediate Car and the Mobile Maintenance Unit itself.

The open-bottomed 69.60/4-UK Mobile Maintenance Unit is equipped with track maintenance tools fed by electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic power from the separate Traction & Supply Unit.

It has hydraulically-adjusted walls which can be extended sideways by up to 600 mm to provide more workspace, and the cover offers protection from the weather and also acts as a glare shield at night. The cab is equipped with CCTV and also includes two 2000 kg hoists along with 38 m of storage space.

Powervamp was the obvious choice for Colas Rail, already having a sizeable inventory of 24v GPU, NATO 175 and 200 products already. We were able to work with Powervamp directly whom manufactured a bespoke cabling system and mounting bracket to suit the particular needs of our vehicle.

Powervamp created a bespoke set of leads which allowed us to start either of the two 24V 697 hp Deutz TCD 16.0 V8 diesels through a bespoke socket installed in our battery room or alternatively, the additional set of crocodile leads supplied allowed us to add value to the installation by utilising the 12V function on the battery pack to start road vehicles or other plant on site.

Scott Bradley, Plant Operations Manager – Services, commented –  “The quality of the manufacturing was to the usual exceptionally high standard we have come to expect and our customer was equally impressed – to date we have relied on the Powervamp system to start the machine in over a dozen instances where we would have otherwise lost a working shift, and thus have kept our fleet performing at the exacting levels our customer demands.”

1. Powervamp

Powervamp portable battery packs capable of jump-starting the biggest Caterpillar front-end loaders are playing an essential role at Torr Quarry, Somerset, where they are ensuring that product mined in the morning can be on a train to London the same night. Typically around 70 trainloads of aggregate are shipped from the site every week.

Torr Quarry, part of the Aggregate Industries network, produces millions of tonnes of limestone aggregates a year at its site near Shepton Mallet in the Mendip Hills.

For optimum efficiency, the quarry operates on a quick-turnround basis rather than holding extensive stocks of finished aggregate on site. This ensures that the operation can be highly demand-responsive, but it also puts great pressure on the site engineers to keep their plant equipment available at all times.

“We simply can’t afford to have one of the Cats out of action…”

Twenty items of heavy plant equipment are operated at the site, including three of the largest Caterpillar 992 models, which can each lift up to 25 tonnes at a time.

Inevitably, like all automotive batteries, those on the Caterpillar loaders and Komatsu dumpers at the site sometimes run flat, especially after cold winter nights and holiday breaks, or in the event of a charging fault. Mobile plant maintenance foreman James Ashman says: “We simply can’t afford to have one of the Cats out of action during the working day just because the engine won’t start. It would disrupt the entire production process, with disastrous knock-on implications right down the line.”

The latest Powervamp units at Torr Quarry are dual-voltage 24-volt/12-volt NATO 200 packs. They are ganged together to provide a high starting current for the biggest 880hp Cat loaders, which have four on-board 12-volt batteries. They are also used individually at their 12-volt setting for starting the 28 Land Rovers used for staff movements within the 600-acre site, which stretches for a mile between its extreme points.

“The Nato packs are light enough to lift into position by hand, yet they keep on delivering the power…”

Powervamp jump-starter battery packs harness the proven power and durability of high-performance dry-cell lead acid batteries. The ultra-heavy duty NATO range delivers 2,100 peak amps. It features a tough steel case which encloses the batteries plus two integral three-stage chargers. For recharging, the units are simply plugged into a standard mains electricity supply.

James says Powervamp jump starters have provided the ideal solution. “The NATOs packs are light enough to lift into position by hand, yet they keep on delivering the power we need to get these big engines started.”

The Caterpillar loaders play a key role in the production process, lifting rock that has just been blasted and transferring it to the primary crusher. This reduces it to pieces no bigger than 9in across, ready for screening and filtering.

From here the conveyor moves the product to further crushers, which reduce it to the correct consistency for aggregates used in the construction industry.

Aggregate Industries operates its own trains through its part-owned subsidiary, Mendip Rail, and Torr Quarry ships a substantial amount of its output to south-east England by railway. There are three rail sidings within the area of the site. The rest of the output is despatched by road, but this is mostly limited to customers within south-west England.

To keep the units in prime condition, Powervamp offers a maintenance and repair service at its Weston-super-Mare headquarters, which coincidentally is not far from the Torr Quarry site. “Turnround is always fast,” James Ashman says, “and if there is any delay, Powervamp can provide loan equipment to ensure continuity of cover.”

For information and advice on how Powervamp can keep your large plant fleet on the move,

call our sales team on 01934 643000 or email sales@powervamp.com

1. Powervamp

Powervamp has recently supplied RAF Brize Norton with a number of its Effekta emergency lighting central battery systems. The three phase units are to be used to provide back up power to the emergency lighting for the new hangar project.

The project involved the construction of the new 24,000m² hangar for the Airbus A400M military aircraft, which has replaced the C130 Hercules after many years of reliable service.

“…the hangar used 3,200 tonnes of steel to construct, whilst the roof houses 600m2 solar panels…”

The A400M has a range of over 2,000 nautical miles, with a load capacity of 25 tonnes and is designed to carry large vehicles such as, helicopters, tanks, equipment and personnel. The aircraft also has the capacity to fly almost twice as fast and further than its predecessor.

The modern hanger measures 28 metres high and used 3,200 tonnes of steel to construct, whilst the roof houses 600m² solar panels to provide up to 70 kilowatts of electrical power.

The hangar was designed to accommodate up to three of these giant aircraft at any one time and required a specific lighting design incorporating central battery systems in order to comply with the regulation BSEN 50171, that states a back- up system must be provided in the event of a mains failure.

“…As each A400m measuring over 45 metres long and almost 43 metres wide, the design for the new hangar was challenging…”

The Powervamp in-house design team provided a solution to cater for the inrush current from the LED luminaires and again reflects the total package of service and support capabilities.

The four EF33 units consisted of a pair of 7kva systems, along with 5kva and 17kva units with external cladded battery stands.

Powervamp’s experienced service team carried out the onsite battery build and commissioning. As an added value service to NG Bailey, the Powervamp team were also able to supply cable between the floor standing Ef33 IP21 rated systems and the battery stands and fused isolators.

As each A400m measuring over 45 metres long and almost 43 metres wide, the design for the new hangar was challenging in itself and demanded the need for specialist installations including power supplies, distribution, lighting, etc.

Powervamp were able to design and build a bespoke solution in order to meet the requirements and performance levels for the emergency lighting due to their huge experience in manufacturing systems specifically for the consultant and client’s needs.

Powervamp once again were able to deliver on time in order to ensure that the M&E (mechanical and electrical) contractor, NG Bailey, handed the project over on schedule.

“…Powervamp is (now) being considered as a first choice supplier within the construction, aviation and OEM industries.”

A company that is particularly proud of its commitment to customer service and support, Powervamp have vast experience in providing solutions for installations requiring emergency lighting central battery systems, aviation ground power units and frequency converters. Increasingly, Powervamp is being considered as a first choice supplier within the construction, aviation and OEM industries.

For more information on Powervamp emergency lighting central battery systems, and how they can be integrated into a new or existing building – please contact the sales team on 01934 643000 or email info@powevamp.com.

1. Powervamp

A more compact and agile ground power solution for companies maintaining and servicing larger regional passenger jet aircraft is now available in the form of the PV45 mobile electrical ground power unit (MEGPU) from UK company Powervamp Ltd, a world leader in aviation ground power and aircraft static inverters.

The company says it has broad appeal for all specialist companies in the aircraft MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) sector. It is especially suitable for MROs replacing time-expired GPU equipment; for those setting up for the first time; and for those upgrading their existing operations to handle larger aircraft.

Already a number of companies in this sector have taken advantage of the PV45, including Bristow Helicopters, Starlite Maintenance Johannesburg (Pty) Ltd, Inflite Engineering (Stansted), The Jet Centre (in the Isle Of Man) and ThyssenKrupp Marine. The PV45 is also being used by Powervamp’s own air show services division for providing ground power at the Paris and Farnborough air shows.

“Powervamp’s PV45 MEGPU offers a much more versatile solution…”

Like any aircraft, medium-sized jet aircraft such as the Gulfstream G650 and Bombardier CRJ series need an external electrical power source to run their on-board electrics and avionics during servicing and repairs. Typically, MRO companies fulfil this need with a frequency converter connected to a three-phase mains supply within the hangar.

However, these devices tend to be heavy and bulky, and are usually mounted in a fixed position in the hangar, sometimes requiring long trailing leads to connect them to the aircraft.

Powervamp’s PV45 MEGPU offers a much more versatile solution. It is compact, relatively light (just 345kg), and self-contained. Whilst it can be equipped on request with an optional plinth for fixed mounting, as standard it is delivered as a mobile unit, complete with heavy-duty caster wheels (braked at the front).

This means the PV45 can be moved easily around the hangar and positioned conveniently for each aircraft being serviced. So long as it is within reach of a 400-volt 50/60Hz three-phase mains supply, it can even be operated outside the hangar. Its IP (ingress protection) rating is IP55, meaning it is resistant to dust and rain, and the all-weather controls are built to the even tougher IP65 standard.

“The PV45 is packed with practical features (including) a backlit LCD screen with LED status indicators, easy-to-understand controls, and a tough tactile input keyboard…”

The PV45 converts a 50/60Hz mains electrical supply to the 400Hz AC power required by the on-board electrical systems of medium-sized jet aircraft. It achieves this by combining a low-ripple 12-pulse input rectifier, an inverter (to convert the DC to 400Hz AC) and a high-grade output transformer. Its nominal power output rating is 45kVA.

The 12-pulse rectifier is particularly effective in managing the input harmonics to prevent adverse effects on the mains electrical supply, meaning that the unit delivers notably “clean” power.

The PV45 is packed with practical features. A backlit LCD screen with LED status indicators provides clear, easy-to-understand controls, and there is a tough tactile input keyboard. An integral real-time data logger is also provided. Other features include automatic line-drop compensation, and remote monitoring and control from a distance, either from the aircraft plug or via remote switches.

There are numerous safety features, including an emergency stop button that shuts the system down in a controlled manner. There is an aircraft interlock to prevent output power being energised unless the unit is attached to an aircraft, and neutral monitoring ensures that the output power is disconnected in the event of a neutral cable failure.

Powervamp’s PV45 is part of a family of mobile electrical ground power units, which also includes the third-generation PV90-3, which is suitable for running the on-board electrics of full-sized passenger aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747 and B777. Other existing users of the PV45 includes CHC Scotia, Arena Aviation and WAGA International.

Widely-used Powervamp ground power products also include the company’s Coolspool DC battery-powered ramp carts, its portable DC aircraft start units, and its Coolspool Hybrid 300 mini-diesel ground power unit.

For more information on the Powervamp PV45, (or the PV90-3), 400Hz frequency converter, please call our office on +44 (0) 1934 643000 or email sales@powervamp.com.

1. Powervamp

It is only one week until AERO Friedrichshafen 2017 opens its doors at this years prestigious aviation event. Powervamp will be teaming up with their German partners, Telemeter Electronic GmbH, from 5th – 8th April to showcase their latest range of ground power units over the four days.

Powervamp will be exhibiting a large range of its general aviation products, including DC aircraft start units,

28.5 VDC continuous power supplies, heavy duty battery carts and portable refuelling/defuelling systems.

Visit booth FW – 107 to discuss your aviation requirements with the Powervamp sales team.

For more information, or to discuss how Powervamp can assist you,
visit www.powervamp.com  or call +44 (0)1934 643000.

1. Powervamp

Established in 2002, Frocester Engineering is an innovative engineering company specialising in tube bending, water jet cutting, welding and fabrication techniques to manufacture high quality products to meet customers’ exact requirements.

At their headquarters in Somerset, they employ a core team of engineers and qualified welders and have an established network of local and regional suppliers. The company also have an in house design capability which enables them to combine creativity with sound engineering solutions.

“The design engineers at Frocester very quickly understood the issues we faced…”

Frocester has worked alongside Powervamp on a number of projects, however it was the critically acclaimed Sidewinder cable carrier system that inspired them to create the following case study:

‘Powervamp is a world-recognised designer and manufacturer of specialist power equipment for the aviation, automotive and emergency lighting central battery sectors.

Frocester have been supplying Powervamp with various parts for many years. As a consequence of this successful relationship, Powervamp approached us to help in the design and manufacture of a new retractable cable carrier system for use at airports. The Sidewinder is used to transfer power from special 115volt 400Hz aircraft power converters located at every departure gate to each aircraft.

Aircraft power cabling and plugs are subjected to extremes of wear, impact damage and rough handling. As a result, power cables, AC plugs and their associated carrier systems are a constant source of problems at busy airports, with any failure potentially having an impact on safety, turn-around times and costs.

Our designers worked closely with Powervamp’s and came up with practical solutions to the issues being faced. We demonstrated our suggested solutions initially with computer generated models followed by rapidly produced prototypes for testing.

“Frocester’s speed in interpreting Powervamp’s requirements from CAD design, to prototype, to finished product astounded Heathrow management…”

The resulting product, called the Sidewinder, is being hailed as the ultimate fixed electrical ground power transfer system due to its deployment speed, strength and usability. It is now exclusively specified by London Heathrow Airport and is being installed progressively as stands are upgraded. It has already been ordered by Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh airports and is being trialled at other international airports in the UK.’

“The design engineers at Frocester very quickly understood the issues we faced. They developed excellent solutions to the design challenges .Their input was critical in creating a product which met the unique demands of continuous operations at Heathrow, where the required 100% uptime demanded extreme reliability. Frocester’s speed in interpreting Powervamp’s requirements from CAD design, to prototype, to finished product astounded Heathrow management and enabled us to win the business. With multiple units already installed, the build quality of the finished metalwork from Frocester is excellent and their service exceptional.”

Richard Roller,

Powervamp Chairman and Founder.

1. Powervamp

A cost-saving solution to the problem of reliably raising and lowering the intermediate decks of double-decker freight trailers has been developed by UK-based Powervamp Ltd, a long-established specialist in automotive battery jump start packs , aircraft static inverters and a world leader in external ground power units for aircrafts. The company’s hand-portable Coolspool 29 utilises technology used in Powervamp’s high-performance aircraft ground power units and turbine starting equipment to operate the lifting trailer deck. Powervamp also provides emergency lighting products.

“The Coolspool is showing great promise as a cost-saving exercise…”

Already a leading parcels delivery company has ordered in excess of 100 Coolspool 29 units for use with its double-deck trailer fleet, and another early user is a nationwide furniture retailer, which has recently started introducing double-deck trailers to its fleet. “The Coolspool is showing great promise as a cost-saving exercise and gives us us confidence that we will always be able to raise and lower the floor when necessary,” says their fleet manager.

Double-deck trailers, often at least 15ft (4.55 metres) high, are used widely in UK transport circles, notably for carrying relatively light but bulky cargoes as economically as possible.

Many such trailers have an intermediate deck that lifts and lowers hydraulically. The deck is lowered to allow goods to be loaded from the back or sides at floor level; then raised to allow more goods to be loaded underneath.

Typically, power for the lifting-deck hydraulics is provided either by the motive vehicle, or from a slave battery on the trailer itself. However, both arrangements have led to problems for some operators.

“When the elevating floor needs to be operated, a Coolspool is simply carried to the trailer and plugged into its electrical system…”

If power is provided by the motive unit, the floor cannot be raised and lowered unless the unit is in place; yet trailers are often dropped off at loading bays and left without a motive vehicle for extended periods. Having a slave battery on the trailer itself can alleviate this problem, but sometimes such batteries are merely trickle-charged from the motive vehicle in transit, and may not have the reserves to raise and lower the floor reliably when required.

Some operators have tackled the problem by fitting mains-powered electrical transformers permanently at the loading dock, but this can be an inflexible solution. Unless a transformer is provided at every loading bay, a bay with a transformer may not always be free when a double-deck trailer arrives. Fitting a transformer at each bay can be prohibitively expensive.

“Powervamp units appeal because of their portability and compact size…”

Powervamp’s Coolspool 29 solves the problem. A number of these self-contained 28V DC battery packs are kept on hand at locations regularly visited by lifting-deck trailers. When the elevating floor needs to be operated, a Coolspool is simply carried to the trailer and plugged into its electrical system. Its high power (28V DC and 2,400 amps), advanced sealed battery technology ensures that it can lift even a fully-loaded upper trailer deck repeatedly on a single charge.

Because the Coolspool is only needed for relatively short periods, there is no need to have one Coolspool unit for every loading bay; cost can be saved by sharing one unit among several bays.

According to early users, the Powervamp units appeal because of their portability and compact size (13in high, 16in wide and 5in deep).

The Coolspool is simply charged from a standard 13-amp 240V AC electrical mains supply, and can never be over-charged, so in between uses it can be re-connected to the mains supply, keeping it in peak condition.

“…the batteries can be stored for over 12 months without being re-charged.”

Unlike conventional lead acid batteries, the AGM, (absorbed glass matt), dry-cell batteries in the Coolspool are designed to withstand repeated discharge and re-charging without any detrimental effect on their performance, and can even be re-charged when partially discharged without any problematic “memory effect”. Once fully charged the batteries can be stored for over 12 months without being re-charged.

The Coolspool 29 is part of a wide range of Powervamp equipment that is usually supplied to airport and aircraft operators. It can run the electrics and avionics of small jet aircraft and helicopters while they are on the stand, and can also start their turbines. Its use in such a demanding high-tech environment means it has to perform reliably and repeatedly whenever called upon.

Powervamp also has a long-standing pedigree in the automotive world. It has supplied battery jump starter packs to the UK’s largest breakdown organisations, commercial truck and bus operators, as well as the emergency services and large automotive auction houses, to name but a few.

To Learn more about the Coolspool 29 power supply, or to discuss your lifting trailer deck requirements, please call 01934 643000 and speak to our sales team.

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1. Powervamp

In 2016 Arena TV were won the contract to broadcast the UK coverage of the 2016 Olympic, and Paralympic games, held in Brazil last year.

Three of their largest outside broadcast trucks were driven to Brazil where they were be based for the duration of the games. However, although the trucks accepted 230V at 60Hz for running the majority of the on-board equipment, the essential air-conditioning only runs on 50Hz.

The Powervamp technical team were approached to find a solution to provide power to the four large cooling compressors installed in truck without tripping circuit-breakers due to the massive in-rush current.

The answer was to supply an EF20 static frequency converter, rated at 10kVA 230V 60Hz input and 50Hz output, but with a bespoke ‘soft-start’ feature to allow all four coolers to power up slowly avoiding any huge voltage spikes.

The caster-mounted EF20 SFC units were tested in-house by simulating the 50Hz load that the air-conditioning would demand when all four compressors kicked in at the same time.  The soft-start circuitry operated faultlessly, allowing the compressors to ramp up slowly eliminating any voltage spikes.

The equipment is due to be collected by Arena TV just before they embark on the long drive to Brazil in the coming weeks.

Read the whole story here.

UPDATE – 2017

With a very successful 2016 Olympic games broadcast under their belt, the Arena TV outside broadcast units returned to the UK late last year having provided a faultless broadcast for the Olympic and Paralympic games.  The actual broadcast relied solely on the power equipment which was powered by Powervamp EF20 static frequency converters.  

The equipment has now been purchased back from Arena due to the excellent condition and relatively short usage and after inspection and servicing will be made available for purchase at a special discounted price.

If you have a requirement for a 10kVA frequency converter then please call the sales office on 01592 882 332 or email us via our contact form, where a member of the sales team will happy to discuss your requirements.

1. Powervamp

Ashton Gate is home to Bristol City Football Club and has recently completed a £45m rebuild of the site, including the redeveloped of the Dolman Stand and brand new East Stand which was completed in time for the start of the 2015/2016 season.

“Powervamp was originally shortlisted by the building consultant due to their extensive engineering and manufacturing expertise…”

Powervamp became involved with project when they won the contract to supply Bristol City Football Club with two of their Effekta emergency lighting central battery systems. The systems supplied were the EF33, both of which were three phase units consisting of 20kva and 40kva respectively.

The systems were manufactured for the new East stand and the extended Doilman stand. The 40kVA unit is designed to support the emergency lighting for the stand, bar and club shop areas in the event of a mains power failure.

The 20kVA unit in the Dolman stand will provide emergency lighting backup power for the bar and corporate hospitality areas.  Bristol City now has a stadium that would befit any football club in a higher league and is also home to Bristol Rugby Club – both of which are part of the Bristol Sports Group.

“Powervamp’s growing portfolio of stadium installations includes Liverpool FC, Reading FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC….”

Powervamp was originally shortlisted by the building consultant during the design of the stadium due to their extensive engineering  and manufacturing expertise and experience of supplying football and other sporting stadia with their Effekta emergency lighting central battery systems.

Despite facing stiff competition to supply the central battery systems, Powervamp again proved to be the only manufacturer able to provide a suitable solution to meet with the regulations involving such a project. Ultimately, it was the in house design and engineering capabilities that proved to be a successful factor in winning the tender.

In addition to designing and building the central battery systems, Powervamp were pro-active in engaging with the M&E Contractor to provide a solution that also included internal load distribution boards, battery building and commissioning.

Powervamp were also able to provide a full technical service and support during the course of the project, with various site visits provided by their service team. The on- site battery build was carried out with the co-operation of the M&E Contractor and was within the time schedule that had been planned, which enabled the project to be handed over on time.

The Bristol City FC project has added to Powervamp’s growing portfolio of stadium installations including Liverpool FC, Reading FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.

1. Powervamp

Liverpool FC have just finished redeveloping their iconic Main Stand, as part of a £260m scheme for the whole Anfield area. The ground, famed for its Kop stand and thrilling big-game atmosphere in the Premier League and Champions League nights, will have its capacity extended by an extra 13,000 seats, increasing its maximum capacity to 54,000. This is part of an ongoing re-development of the stadium, with further improvements planned for the future.

“…the Effekta system cuts in automatically providing instant emergency lighting…”

Liverpool’s brand new ‘Main Stand’ officially opened on the 9th September 2016 and has been transformed into one of the largest all seat single stands in European football.

The new stand features expansive public spaces, state-of-the-art facilities and a world-class facility for supporters to see the Reds play.

Powervamp became involved with this high-profile redevelopment when they were awarded the contract to supply one of their Effekta emergency lighting central battery systems.

Should the incoming mains electricity fail in any part of the building, the Effekta system cuts in automatically providing instant emergency lighting. Under UK law, there is an obligation for all public buildings to be equipped with this facility.

“…120kVA’s worth of power  is equivalent to powering 200 houses for 3 hours…”

Not only must the lighting be restored seamlessly but the emergency system must also be able to maintain an acceptable lux level (brightness) for long enough to allow the public to evacuate the premises safely. In most cases the expected battery autonomy for the system is likely to be either one hour or three hours.

The 120kVA 3-phase in / 3-phase out emergency lighting inverter system supplied was one of the largest that Powervamp had manufactured to date.

To put the power requirement into context – 120kVA’s worth of power required to operate the emergency lighting long enough to evacuate the new Main Stand is equivalent to powering 200 houses for 3 hours – and using only dry-cell batteries!

The bespoke system was designed to supply multiple lighting circuits throughout the new main stand expansion, which in turn powered multiple LED light fittings via various changeover relays.

“Powervamp were the only company able to provide a suitable solution…”

The unit was delivered with fourteen tonnes of batteries yet the onsite work only took two weeks for the Powervamp engineers to complete. Works included constructing a six metre battery stand, a battery build assembly and making numerous connections – including a bespoke terminal arrangement to accommodate 2 x 185mm² multicore armoured cable.

Project management and co-ordination with onsite staff and other trades was essential to allow the smooth delivery in a constantly challenging environment.

Following the installation, Powervamp engineers also completed a full commissioning of the equipment before the hand over.

Powervamp were one of only two Central Battery System manufacturers originally shortlisted by the Building Consultant.

However, Powervamp were the only company able to provide a suitable solution, and it was the in-house design and engineering capabilities that proved to be a successful factor in winning the contract.

In addition to designing and building the central battery system, Powervamp were also able to engage with the lighting controls company in order to provide a suitable solution between the two systems.

With the new Main Stand now open and receiving positive reviews from the clubs fans, Powervamp is proud to have been involved in this massive redevelopment and wishes Liverpool FC every success this season.

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1. Powervamp

RNAS Yeovilton is one of the Navy’s two principal air bases, and one of the busiest military airfields in the UK. It is home to more than 100 aircraft operated both front-line squadrons and training units including all Fleet Air Arm Lynx and Commando Helicopter Force, plus vintage aircraft of the RN Historic Flight.

The base is located near Yeovil in Somerset and covers around 1,400 acres with the main airfield in Yeovilton itself and the satellite at Ilton (Merryfield). Some 4,300 personnel, Service and civilian, including MoD employees and permanent contractors are employed on the site. The air station also hosts a large support staff from the Defence Equipment and Support organisation, and the world famous Fleet Air Arm Museum.

Powervamp was invited to trial its Coolspool 29 Twin aircraft start units on the Wildcat helicopters. The primary objective of the assessment was to prove the Coolspool Twin could spool up the turbines and, if so, also understand if a single unit could carry out a couple of starts as an alternative to the GPU 2400 aircraft start units currently in use at the base.

“…The clamp meter recorded a current draw of just under 800A…”

The Wildcat has a very sensitive electrical system meaning any external GPU cannot be switched off whilst connected to the aircraft due to the tripping of the helicopters circuit breakers. The NATO connector must be unplugged whilst the GPU is live to avoid powering down, re-setting the circuit breakers and powering up the avionics suite.

The Coolspool 29 Twin was wheeled into position to attempt a start. After the pre-flight checks were carried out the pilot initiated the start sequence and the engines spooled up without issue. The clamp meter recorded a current draw of just under 800A which was well within the Coolspools capabilities.  The Wildcat was successfully shut down after the twin pack had been disconnected.

“…The Powervamp aircraft start units are essential for providing portable power…”

A single Coolspool 29 aircraft start unit was re-connected and the pilot went through the start sequence again.  The unit spooled up the turbines without issue and proved convincingly that a Coolspool 29 could handle the high current draw of the Wildcat.

The pilot and engineers were satisfied that the trial had gone well and had proven that deployment with a single Coolspool 29 is possible.  It was also noted that the higher 28V DC from the Coolspool Twin offered an even better spool up than the 24V DC GPU 2400 Twin.

The Powervamp aircraft start units are essential for providing portable power whilst the Wildcats are away from base, deployed on board ship or on manoeuvres. All pre-flight checks would normally be carried out using the aircraft batteries, the aircraft start units would be used solely for turbine starts.

Powervamp would like to thank RNAS Yeovilton for their kind assistance during the trial, and look forward with working with again in the near future.

 

1. Powervamp

Returning to the Birmingham NEC on 1-3 November for its biggest edition yet, the three day Euro Bus Expo will feature nearly 300 sector leading exhibitors representing every link of the supply chain – from the latest ‘must have’ vehicles (over 100 will be on display), vehicle interiors, accessories and workshop equipment, to IT solutions, training, legislation updates, and essential business services.

With exhibitors representing every link of the supply chain, and 9,500 key industry buyers and decision makers from across Europe being expected to attend, Bus Expo 2016 is the premier showcase for the bus and coach sector.

Powervamp will be represented by their UK distributor, Alliance Electronics, who will be displaying the range of professional jump-starting equipment and accessories. Heavy duty 12v, 24v and 12/24v jump-starters will be available to purchase from the stand.  All Powervamp jump-starters are fitted with an audible reverse polarity alarm as well as a voltage spike suppression PCB to ensure the vehicles own ECU is protected at all times.

The complete range of jump-starting equipment from Powervamp has evolved through 23 years worth of hands on experience within the commercial  automotive markets.  The products are intuitive to operate and easy to service – whilst retaining a level of quality that is often overlooked within this market.

The exhibition takes place every two years and is always keenly attended – keep up date with all the latest information by visiting the following links…

Latest Eurobus breaking news here

View the exhibitor list here

View the floor plan here

Visit stand E84 to chat with the knowledgable Alliance Electronics sales team or call the Powervamp office on 01934 643000 to arrange an appointment to discuss your commercial jump-starting requirements.

1. Powervamp

The NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) is the premier event and annual meeting place for the business aviation community. This event takes place from 1st – 3rd November in Orlando, Florida and brings together key aviation contacts from around the world, including current and prospective business aircraft owners, manufacturers and customers into one meeting area to get critical work accomplished.

NBAA-BACE will feature over 1,100 indoor exhibitors at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), two static displays of aircraft – one inside on the exhibit floor of the OCCC, and the other outside at Orlando Executive Airport, more than 50 education sessions and networking with 27,000 business aviation professionals. There’s no other aviation event that matches it.

Powervamp is pleased to announce that it will be represented by its USA distributor, Aero-Specialties, at this important aviation exhibition. On display will be a number of Powervamp ground power units in the now familiar orange branding of Aero-Specialties. Powervamp staff will also be on hand to answer any technical questions whilst also supporting the launch of the new Powervamp ground power brochure.

Keep up to date with the latest NBAA news by downloading the mobile app.

Features include:

*Full convention agenda with locations and descriptions of education sessions and special events
*An exhibitor directory with booth locations, company descriptions and product and service categories
*An interactive exhibit floor plan of the Orange County Convention Center
*Ability to create a personal profile visible to other app users so you can network with fellow attendees before, during and after the event
*A timeline displaying the latest posts and photos from fellow attendees in real time and the ability to upload your own status updates and photos

Visit Aero-Specialties on booth 4416 to view the latest generation ground power units or call +44 (0) 1934 643000 to make an appointment or to discuss your general power requirements.

1. Powervamp

1. Powervamp

1. Powervamp

Unlike all other current wide body aircraft, the Boeing 787 is unique in many of its features. In particular, turbine starting which is achieved through massive electric starters that under normal conditions are powered from the aircrafts auxiliary power unit (APU).

Occasionally an APU can fail, resulting in external power being required to achieve an engine start. This situation occurred recently at a major airport where the extreme load required for engine starting caused a competitors fixed electrical ground power unit (FEGP), to fail to start the turbine, which in turn caused a delayed departure.

“…several Boeing 787 ‘cold starts’ were carried out at the airline’s request to prove (Powervamp’s) GPU functionality…”

It should be noted that during a normal engine start, the aircraft’s 2 x twin engine starter torque converters can become unstable drawing maximum current within a varying DC offset.  (*** see below)

As a result, the airport required Powervamp to demonstrate that its latest PV90-3, 90 kVA converters were capable of handling an engine start under the same inoperable APU situation and without modification.

To fully test Powervamp’s converters under these extreme conditions, several Boeing 787 ‘cold starts’, (no fuel or ignition), were carried out at the airline’s request to prove GPU functionality.  A cold start will replicate the exact same aircraft power requirements as an actual turbine start.

“…Turbine spool-up to 17% was done deliberately to load both 90kVA Powervamp converters to their maximum…”

In the footage below, the performance of two PV90-3 GPUs can be viewed from the flight deck CRT displays starting the engine without any problem despite delivering power through an exceptionally long 70 metre underground cable. The test, which was carried out several times in quick succession without any problem, proved the performance of Powervamp’s PV90-3 converters under repeated very high loading.

The footage shows the Dreamliners’ electrical screen on the left and the engine parameter screen on the right. Note that the input voltage from the FEGP  converters remains at a constant 114V AC all the time. There is a power representation showing the load factor on each GPU as well as the overall kVA power draw.

The audible double ‘click’ of the initial start process is confirmed by the ‘rotating’ line of the relevant engine – the focus then shifts to the engine panel showing the turbine N1 accelerating to 17% where it stabilizes, (the engine ignition would normally occur at 12% if fuel/igniters had been applied). Turbine spool-up to 17% was done deliberately to load both 90kVA Powervamp converters to their maximum. Focus shifts back to the electrical display to show the converter outputs in this state of high output. The test ends as the camera pans back to the overall cockpit view.

“…This situation was found to cause our competitor’s GPUs to become unstable resulting in the 787 aircraft power quality monitor to trip due to ‘bad power’…”

The success of the trial (using the same aircraft which had previously required external power for engine starting), can be attributed to Powervamp’s 18 years of experience in the supply of advanced power solutions into the civil and military aviation industry.

Its Aircraft converter designs are engineered to handle both the exceptional overloads experienced with the 787 aircraft and continuous high current draw for extended periods without shutdown – a design feature guaranteed to maximize operating life.

Powervamp is the UKs only designer and manufacturer of 400Hz aircraft frequency converters. Its team of top software graduates, including aircraft engineers with in-depth avionics experience, gives it a unique working aviation knowledge base and unparalleled experience in understanding airport operations and ground power.

 

*** This situation was found to cause our competitor’s GPU’s to become unstable resulting in the 787 aircraft power quality monitor to trip due to ‘bad power’.  In seeking to solve this problem, it was learnt that the manufacturer of the units that failed, requested that the airport upgrade ALL of their existing GPUs.

 

1. Powervamp

Air Charter Expo, (ACE16), is a new name on the aviation trade show calendar in 2016, and yet it already boasts a long and illustrious history.

European Business Air News organised its first specialist show and conference for business aviation way back in 1991, as the European Business Air Show at London Stansted airport, and went on to stage annual events all around Europe.

In 2001 this evolved into BGAD, a one day event focussed on low-costs for exhibitors and an easy atmosphere for networking, hosted by Cambridge airport. This event grew each year until its most successful edition at London Biggin Hill airport in September 2015, when the charter industry took centre stage.

“…Powervamp is pleased to announce it has been appointed the main power provider…”

Now the show has evolved once more to become the Air Charter Expo, with more exhibitors and aircraft on display than ever before.

ACE16 is the showcase where owners and operators of business jets, turboprops and helicopters can meet with suppliers of all kinds of products and services – from fuel and flight planning to performance enhancing modifications.

Powervamp is pleased to announce it has been appointed the main power provider for the three static aircraft displays at this weeks ACE16.  The exhibition team will supply a number of their in-house designed and manufactured 28V DC power supplies, (PS50, PS100 and PS300 models), to ensure aircraft manufacturers such as Bombardier, Bell, Lear, Cessna and Airbus are able to have power for the show duration.

“…having the power drop out is simply not an option…”

Its critical that aviation suites and internal lighting, amongst many other power reliant devices are kept online to maximise the aircrafts impact during its attendance.

As with all exhibitions, or airshows, having the power drop out is simply not an option – however, experience supplying power to the Paris International Airshow and Farnborough Airshow over a number of years has given the team a wealth of experience to deal with any situation.

Not only will Powervamp staff be on site to set-up the 21+ fixed wing and rotary aircraft, and remain on hand to ensure the smooth running of the power through the exhibition – but the sales team will also be manning an exhibition stand answering technical questions on the products on display.

Once again Powervamp shows its many talents as power provider, manufacturer, exhibition support and technical sales at this well proven exhibition.

ACE16 is being held at London’s Biggin Hill airport on September 13th.  You can register for free here

1. Powervamp

Powervamp’s Sales Director, James Ackland, was recently interviewed for an article on battery powered ground power units for Airside International magazine.

The article was part of an in-depth feature profiling all aspects of aviation ground  power, particularly the latest developments within environmentally considerate alternatives to diesel generators.

“…units are compact, silent and pollution-free and cost a third as much as a diesel unit…”

Powervamp’s 28 volt DC Coolspool ramp carts are designed to replace diesel GPUs or fixed and semi-mobile transformer rectifier units (TRUs). These large, new generation, powerful, heavy-duty battery carts provide a combination of instant high amperage with pure DC wave form and full mobility, low initial investment and extremely low operating costs.

The complete feature can be read here – Airside Ground Power Feature.

 

1. Powervamp

 

As part of its continuous program of development, Powervamp is proud to announce the launch of its latest range of aviation data sheets with revised product specifications. The latest release showcases the increased performance and significant design changes that have recently taken place.

A number of product names have also changed, where applicable, to reflect the increased peak amps and amp/hour capacity.

“Improved site navigation has also been implemented to enhance the visitor experience…”

The facelift data sheets now contain a substantial amount of additional information such as optional, and included, accessories, typical power plants, key features and alternative products etc.

 

 

To compliment the launch, the Powervamp website has also experienced a facelift throughout its product pages and download pages.  Improved site navigation has also been implemented to enhance the visitor experience and allow a faster conclusion when searching for products.

“Powervamp often works with airframe manufacturers to understand the power requirements of the latest aircraft…”

As the leading designer and manufacturer of 24V DC aircraft start units, 28V DC power supplies and 400Hz static frequency converters Powervamp strives to offer the most technically advanced, and user friendly, ground support equipment on the market.

 

 

Powervamp often works with airframe manufacturers to understand the power requirements of the latest aircraft and to ensure it can be supported at airports, airshows or even remote locations.

With 23yrs experience in the supply of power products into the aviation, automotive and emergency lighting markets – Powervamp is the only company that truly understands the customers power requirements.

 

If you would like any further information on our products or services, please contact sales@powervamp.com or call +44 (0)1934 643000.