Electricity in Aviation

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the electrical systems in aviation as described in the lecture notes.

Normal Battery

The main battery that provides power for starting and normal operation.

Emergency Battery

Provides emergency power only, typically for ten minutes, but does not supply starters.

DC Standby Bus

Sources power from the emergency battery to protect avionics during engine start.

Voltage Surge

An initial surge of 1,500 amps occurring when engaging the starter.

Amp Hour Rating

A measure of a battery's capacity, indicating how long it can supply a continuous current.

Generator Control Unit (GCU)

Controls the generator operation, including load shedding and fault management.

Bus Power Control Unit (BPCU)

Controls bus contactor switching and the availability of power sources.

AC Inverter

Converts DC power to AC power for various avionics systems.

Cross Generator Start

A starting method where one generator assists another only after reaching 10% NH.

Battery Basic Mode

A condition where systems operate under battery power without generator support.

Hot Main Battery Bus

Provides power to essential systems and is energized when the cargo door is open.