Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Page 1
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Aircraft Electrical Systems
Chapter 3
Sources of Aircraft Power
- APU, EXTERNAL POWER
& RAT
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Page 2
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Auxiliary Power Unit Systems
Some operators require provisions on their
aircraft for an auxiliary or external power source
to be plugged into the aircraft for starting or
ground servicing.
Normally used for severely cold climatic
conditions or operations which have repetitive
short duration flights to preserve the battery.
It is arranged that a suitable external power
plug is located conveniently on the aircraft and
the power is connected to a system point which
is usually connected to the battery master relay
output terminal .
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Page 3
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
System Operation
External power of the correct voltage and
polarity is applied to the external power plug.
Power to operate the starter and any of the load
circuits is available through the aircraft wiring
from this point even if the battery relay is not
closed.
In the relay controlled system, if incorrect
polarity is connected to the positive pin of the
external power plug diode, D1 will block the
negative polarity and the external power relay
will not be energized. This protects the system
against the incorrect polarity being connected to
the aircraft electrical system
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Simple auxiliary power system schematic
Page 4
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Schematic of a relay controlled auxiliary power system
Page 5
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Page 6
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
DC Aircraft
Aircraft with DC power supply is not normally
equipped with a separate APU.
Normally, aircraft engines are started using
the battery.
Sometimes, one engine is left running during
short transit to function as an APU.
If the aircraft is powered by turboprop
engines, propeller brake is applied to the
engine being used as APU.
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Page 7
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
AC Aircraft
Auxiliary Power Unit
An alternative electrical and pneumatic power source for
aircraft systems on the ground or in flight.
The auxiliary power unit (APU) can be used in flight as a
backup power source. In some cases, operation is limited
to ground use only.
Consists of a small gas turbine engine with engine
controls, mountings and enclosures necessary for safe
and continuous operation.
Depending upon the aircraft, the APU drives one or two
generators that are generally identical to the engine
driven generators
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
Page 8
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
APU Components
- Left Side
(B777)
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
Page 9
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
APU Components - Right
Side (B777)
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
APU Location
Installed in the tail cone of most airplanes,
isolated from flight critical structure and control
surfaces by a firewall shroud, as shown in
following figure.
Page 10
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Typical installation an APU in aircraft.
Page 11
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Page 12
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Operation
Supply three-phase 400 Hz AC power to the airplane by
the APU driven generators.
Auxiliary generator control units (AGCU) monitor the
power for proper voltage and frequency.
When satisfied, AGCU signal the Bus Control Unit (BCU)
to turn on APU generator AVAIL lights on the electrical
system control panel in the flight deck.
Closing these switches will allow the aircraft to be
powered by the APU generators
The APU generators are usually capable of supplying all
or most of the electrical load needed by the airplane
The electrical load has priority over the pneumatic load.
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Page 13
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Operation (cont)
A 24-volt battery is provided for APU starting
Battery switch must be ON to operate the APU
Battery charger is disconnected during APU
starter engagement
Power for normal APU battery charging is
provided by the aircraft's electrical system.
Fuel is normally supplied to the APU from one of
the airplane's main tanks.
Switches on the APU control panel in the cockpit
operate the APU
Sometimes the APU can be controlled from a
ground accessible control panel.
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
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Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
APU oil system is a self-contained system
consisting of independent supply, pumps, regulator,
cooler, filters, and indicator.
Fire detection and extinguishing systems are
installed to provide fire protection for the APU.
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Typical large
aircraft APU
switch panel
and installation
Page 15
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
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Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Some aircraft have
APU timers fitted on
the aft overhead
panel, since APU
running time cannot
be measured by
aircraft logbook time.
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
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Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
The drain mast on the
APU Cowling
The APU shroud (center),
fuel supply line (left),
bleed air duct (right) and
cooling air vent (outlined
in red).
The APU cowling showing
the lines to the discharge
discs and the cooling air
overboard exhaust. The small
access panel above the
cowling is the line of sight oil
filler, this is sometime located
ventrally in front of the
cowling for easy access from
the ground.
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Page 18
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
AlliedSignal GTCP85 Series APU
The first successful APU to be installed in an
aircraft.
Installed on the MD-80, Boeing 727 and the
737
With the introduction of the Boeing 737-400
aircraft, Allied-Signal incorporated another
growth version of the GTCP85-129 Series
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Honeywell GTCP 85
Page 19
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
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Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
The GTCP85-129 APU engine
A single shaft gas turbine engine utilizing two centrifugal compressors
and one centrifugal turbine
A self-contained unit consisting of an air inlet door with a door open
switch on the right side of the aft fuselage
air inlet supplies air for the engine and for accessory cooling
Fuel control unit is supplied from a main tank through the fuel shutoff
valve and enters the combustion chamber through the fuel solenoid
valve and fuel nozzle.
Oil system consists of an oil pressure and oil return scavenge pump,
two oil pressure switches, high oil temperature switch and an oil
cooler
The starter, which uses 24VDC from the aircraft battery, APU battery,
or an external DC supply, is used to turn the engine during the start
cycle. A centrifugal switch controls the starting sequence for many of
the systems used on the APU.
Exhaust gas temperature probe for the EGT indicator and the control
thermostat are mounted in the exhaust section.
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Page 21
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Operation of the GTCP 85 APU
Starting procedure
Place battery switch to ON position - allows battery bus power
to the control circuits and master switch
Place the master switch momentarily to START and releasing it
to the ON position initiate start sequence.
Fuel shutoff valve opens fully then the air inlet door open.
Then the battery (or external DC if used) is connected to the
starter and the APU begins to rotate.
At approximately 10% RPM, the oil pressure increases to 4
psig, low oil pressure switch No. 1 (LOP 1) closes, sequencing
power to the ignition exciter unit and the fuel solenoid valve .
Oil pressure reaches 55 psig (at approximately 37% RPM), low
oil pressure switch No. 2 (LOP 2) open, extinguishing the amber
LOW OIL PRESSURE light on the forward overhead panel.
At 50% RPM, the speed switch operates and the power to
starter is disconnected.
At 95% RPM, the speed switch operates and the APU is ready
to supply electrical and pneumatic power.
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Page 22
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Page 23
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
The load control valve, shown in previous
figure , serves to limit bleed air flow to the
aircraft pneumatic systems.
The thermostat limits the load control valve
as necessary to limit EGT.
Page 24
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Page 25
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Ram Air Turbine (RAT)
Following figure show a RAT from B777-200.
Unit is automatically deployed when there is a lost
of hydraulic power from all three systems.
It can also be deployed manually from the cockpit.
Operation:
Ram air drive a turbine via a propeller. Constant speed
maintained by governor control and pitch change
mechanism controlling the pitch of the blade.
Turbine drive a hydraulic pump to supply emergency
hydraulic power. It also drive a generator (7.5 kVA) to
supply emergency DC power.
Page 26
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
B777-200
Page 27
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
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Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Next figure shows that the RAT output is
supplied to two TRUs.
The power is converted to DC which then
powers the Captains and F/Os instrument
buses.
Captains instrument bus powers the battery
bus and battery bus 2.
Battery bus powers the hot battery bus and
an inverter that supply AC stby bus (115V
400Hz)
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
B777-200
Page 29
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
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Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Following figure shows A320 electrical
system.
RAT is automatically deployed if two gen fail.
Hydraulic power from the RAT drive an
emergency generator which then supply AC
bus and DC bus via TRU 3.
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
A320 System
Page 31
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
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Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Earlier RAT is a pure mechanical governor as
shown in the next figure.
ADG provide constant frequency output to the
emergency AC bus.
The same power is used to drive the Aux
Hydraulic pump.
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
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UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Earlier RAT
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
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Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
External Power
Used for servicing and maintenance of
aircrafts systems on ground.
Connection is made at a convenient point that
can be reached by maintenance personnel.
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Page 35
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
DC External Power
Next Figure A shows DC Ext Pwr socket. There
are two positive pin (one short and one long) and
one long negative pin.
Figure B shows a simple DC power system
When the power selector switch selected to
EXT, positive supply from the short pin
energized the relay and GPU supply connected
to the main bus.
If the socket is withdrawn with live circuit, external
power relay is de-energised before the main pin
are disengaged from the socket. This will prevent
arching.
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Page 36
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
B. Simplified Gdn
Pwr Cct.
A. Dc ground power
connector
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Sources of DC External Power
Battery Cart
Lead acid or Ni-Cad batteries are arranged in parallel or seriesparallel in order to provide 24 volts output voltage.
The type of battery and the number of batteries in parallel will
determine the maximum current that can be withdrawn from the
battery cart.
DC Ground Power Unit
It is basically a petrol or diesel engine driving a generator.
The output is 28 V DC. The maximum current that can be
withdrawn depends on the capability of the generator.
A current limiter circuit is normally installed to protect the
generator.
Page 37
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
TRONAIR Battery Cart
Standard Features
Delivers 1,000 amps
starting power
24 VDC output
Soft start protects
avionics from voltage
spikes
Contains (6) heavy duty,
maintenance free lead
acid batteries, with 950
cold cranking amps each
at 0 F (-18 C)
Source:
[Link]
[Link]?ID=48
Page 38
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
TRONAIR DC Ground Power
Unit
Standard Features
Engine operates with diesel
or Jet A Fuel
Provides 28.5 VDC supply in
a rugged, compact
maneuverable unit
Alternator excitation test
button
24 volt control and starting
circuitry for easy starting
2,000 amp peak, 800 amp
output
High efficiency single bearing
alternator
Adjustable peak output
current limiting control
Large digital display voltmeter
and ammeter
Page 39
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
AC External Power
Figure on the right
shows a standard AC
connector pin
arrangement
There are four long AC
pins phase A, B, C and
N.
Two shorter pins are
interlock pins used to
control the relay
connecting the external
power to the aircraft.
Page 40
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
B737 EXTERNAL POWER COMPONENT LOCATION
Page 41
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
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Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
General
External power components are in the EE compartment and on the right side
of the forward fuselage.
External power controls are in the flight compartment and at the forward
attendant panel.
EE Compartment
The bus power control unit (BPCU) in on the E4 rack.
The external power contactor (EPC) is in the power distribution panel 2 (PDP
2).
Flight Compartment
The P5-4 AC systems, generator, and APU module is on the P5 overhead
panel. This module gives you manual control and indication of external
power.
Forward Attendant Panel
The ground service switch is on the forward attendant panel.
Forward Fuselage
The external power panel and receptacle is on the right side of the fuselage,
near the nose of the airplane.
The external power source connects to the airplane external power
receptacle
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
B737 EXT PWR RECEPTACLE
Page 43
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
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Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
The External Power receptacle has these components:
EXTERNAL POWER CONN indicator
Amber EXTERNAL POWER CONN indicator comes on when the ground
power plug is connected and the ground source is operating
External power NOT IN USE indicator
White NOT IN USE indicator comes on when these conditions are true:
External power is available
The EPC is open
Both ground service transfer relays are de-energized.
FLIGHT INTERPHONE jack
Used to talk to flight deck.
SERVICE INTERPHONE jack
Used to talk to other maintenance personnel around the aircraft.
PILOT CALL switch
Used for ground personnel want to call the cockpit sound a bell.
NOSE WHEEL WELL light control switch.
Used to turn on the light in the nose wheel well.
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Page 45
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Page 46
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
The BPCU closes the EPC when all of these occur:
Ground power switch on P5 is in the ON position
External power quality has correct voltage and frequency
The interlock pins (EF) have continuity
No protective functions occur
There is no power between the bus tie breaker (BTBs).
The EPC opens if any one of these occur:
Quality of external power is bad
Ground power switch is put to OFF position
A protective function occurs
You remove the external power plug
The interlock pins do not have continuity
Another power source selection trips (opens) the EPC.
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Page 47
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
The BPCU protects the external power channel and
isolates the channel if a failure occurs. The BPCU
monitors these parameters of external power:
Current
Overcurrent
Unbalanced phase current
Phase sequence.
Voltage
Overvoltage (high voltage)
Undervoltage (low voltage)
External power plug fault. BPCU monitors the voltage and polarity
at pins E and F of the external power panel. It opens the EPC or
prevents the EPC from closing if there is a fault condition
Frequency.
under frequency (low frequency) condition
over frequency (high frequency) condition
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Page 48
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Indication
Blue GRD POWER AVAILABLE light comes on to show;
There is continuity through pins E and F at the external power
connection
Connected external power quality is in limits.
Amber CONN light comes on to show that external power
is connected. It is not an indication that power quality is
good.
White NOT IN USE light comes on to show that the
ground service buses and transfer buses do not receive
power from the external power source. The light comes
on when these conditions are true:
No Continuity through pins E and F (external power plug
connected)
Ground service relays are de-energized, and
EPC is open.
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Sources of AC External Power
Ground Power Unit
It is basically a petrol or diesel engine driving an AC
generator.
The output is 115 V AC at 400 Hz. The maximum
current that can be withdrawn depends on the
capability of the generator.
AC External Power is basically used to power the
aircraft on ground.
AC power converter
This unit converts domestic power (240 V 50Hz) to
aircraft power at 115 V 400Hz.
Page 49
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Constant output voltage
for non-linear loads
400 Hz +/- 0.1%
nominal frequency
+12/-5% voltage
adjustment range
Page 50
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Dual output, solid-state, ACDC Ground Power Unit
supplies simultaneous 400
Hz AC and 28 VDC power
from a single unit
37.5 kVA to 90 kVA AC
450 Amps Continuous DC
2000 Amps Starting Current
DC
[Link]/images/
Page 51
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
GPU Panel
Page 52
Subject Code AKD 20403 / AAB 30403
UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPIR
Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Wassalam
Page 53