AVIONICS-AS-PPT-2-ELECTRICAL-GENERATING-EMERGENCY-POWER-DISTRIBUTION-SYSTEMS-1
Aircraft Avionics And Autopilot Systems (AVIONICS- AS)
Aircraft Electrical Generating System
Overview of electrical power systems in aircraft, including operation and control.
Importance of electrical power for control, operation, and indication of systems during flight and on the ground.
Electrical Power Sources
Categories of Electrical Power Sources:
Primary Power Sources:
Main generators
Inverters
Transformers
Secondary Power Sources:
Electronic power supplies
Emergency/backup power sources (e.g., emergency generators, batteries, external power supplies).
System Description
Electrical power types:
Battery (DC)
Generators (AC)
Ground Support Equipment (GPU) (AC or DC).
Electrical power distribution standards: 115 volts AC and 28 volts DC.
General Component Locations
Electrical power distribution:
Two engine-driven generators supply AC during flight.
Auxiliary power unit (APU) provides all necessary power when the aircraft is on the ground.
External power can be supplied via an AC receptacle.
DC power sourcing:
From batteries or converted AC power.
AC Generator System
AC generators provide the necessary AC electrical power:
Output: 115/208V, 3-phase AC power at a constant frequency of 400 Hz.
Generators driven by engines/APU to maintain constant speeds.
Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)
The APU allows autonomy for the aircraft without ground support.
Powers onboard lighting, galley equipment, and cockpit avionics.
APU also drives environmental packs for heating and cooling.
AC Generator System (continued)
Network System:
Comprised of three 3-phase, 400 Hz AC generators.
Isolated generators located on engines and the APU.
Utilizes transformers for voltage regulation to 28 volts AC for instrument requirements.
Generator Control Unit (GCU)
Functions:
Regulates output and limits to ensure proper voltage.
Provides excitation power control and adjustment mechanisms.
Offers fault protection against abnormal system states (overvoltage, under-voltage, etc.).
Emergency Power Generation
Ram Air Turbine (RAT):
Extends in loss of AC power for emergency electrical backup.
Utilizes airspeed to generate power for critical systems.
Batteries
Emergency power source for electrical systems.
Common types: lead-acid (red) and nickel-cadmium (blue) batteries.
Chargers maintain battery charge during normal operations.
Electrical Distribution System
Power Distribution:
AC power routed through three main load buses.
Monitors for short circuits and over-current.
Each bus connects to generator outputs.
DC Generation System
DC Power Conversion:
3-phase power converted to 28V DC via TR units.
Essential for control circuits and components.
Standby DC power provided by a Nickel-Cadmium storage battery.
Static Inverter**
Converts 28V DC to 115V AC for devices requiring AC power.
Electronic Equipment Compartment
Location: aft of the nose wheel well, housing critical components for monitoring and control.
DC Indications
Instruments:
DC Ammeter and Voltmeter on overhead panel for monitoring.