Engine Electrical Systems Flashcards
What is a generator?
A machine that changes mechanical energy into electrical energy
By what means does a generator produce electricity?
Electromagnetic induction
What are 3 ways to change the value of induced voltage?
-Number of magnetic lines of flux (windings)
-Change the rate of movement (speed)
-Number of conductors affected (strength)
What is a commutator?
A mechanical switch, or rectifier, that converts the AC generated within the armature of a DC generator into DC as it leaves the generator.
What is the commutator made of?
Copper
What is commutation?
The system of changing the AC of the armature to DC in the external circuit
How can residual magnetism be restored?
By passing DC from a battery thru the field windings in normal direction of current flow
What is the procedure for restoring residual magnetism known as?
Flashing the Field
What is residual voltage?
A result of residual magnetism in the field poles
Aircraft generator output is normally rated in what?
Volt/Amps
The maximum allowable voltage drop between the generator and the bus bar is:
2% of the regulated voltage of the generator
How are generators classified?
Depending on how the field coils are connected to the armature
What are the 3 classifications of DC generators?
Series Wound
Shunt Wound (most common)
Compound Wound
In a series wound generator, what causes the voltage to increase and decrease?
When the load is increased, the voltage increases
When the load is decreased, the voltage decreases
In a shunt wound generator, what is required?
Must always be used with a voltage regulator
How do you eliminate armature reaction?
-Shifting the position of the brushes
-Interpoles
-Compensating windings
What is the best method for eliminating armature reaction?
Interpoles used with compensating windings
True or False? Compensating windings can be used alone.
FALSE
They are used to increase the interpoles effectiveness
What are the 5 main components of a DC generator?
-Armature assembly
-Field frame assembly
-Brush assembly
-End frames
-Cooling fans/ducts
What is the commutator made up of?
Copper segments insulated with Mica
How much should the mica insulation be undercut?
0.020 in. Or equal to the width of the mica
What causes arcing and bouncing of the brushes?
Weak spring tension
What causes excessive wear to the commutator and/or brushes?
Heavy spring tension
What are the 3 cooling methods for a DC generator?
-Fan
-RAM air
-Compressor bleed air
What is paralleling?
Electrically balancing the current load among the generators in a given system
Generator loads should be within ____ of each other.
+/- 10%
When are starter brushes supposed to be replaced?
When they are worn to about 1/2 of their original length
How can you fix a commutator that is rough or pitted?
With NO. 000 Sandpaper
How can you seat the starter brushes?
Use NO. 000 Sandpaper
OR
Abrasive stick
What do the brushes connect to?
Pigtails
(Pigtails connect to rivet)
What does FAR 23.1351.d state?
A voltmeter and/or ammeter is required to measure electrical power system quantities
Electrical load should not exceed _____ of the generator capacity.
80%
(If greater, it must have a warning placard or monitoring device)
What is an ammeter referred to as?
A Loadmeter
What does the Loadmeter(ammeter) show when placed in the generator output?
Only the charging of the battery
What does the Loadmeter(ammeter) show when connected at the battery?
Shows both charging and discharging of the battery
True or False?
A voltmeter should indicate output of the generator to be higher than battery voltage.
TRUE
14v for 12v system
28v for 24v system
What is the only practical way to regulate the generator voltage?
Vary the strength of the field
The voltage regulator controls the amount of current flowing to the field coils through the use of a ________ or _________ resistor.
Variable
Or
Intermittent
What are the 3 types of voltage regulators?
-Carbon Pile
-Vibrator
-Solid State
How is resistance adjusted with a carbon pile regulator?
Spring Pressure
More compression = Low Resistance
Less compression = Increased Resistance
The vibrator regulator has points that open and close to adjust the voltage. What designates how long the points will remain open?
The Load
What is the most common type of voltage regulator used on light aircraft?
Solid State
What are the 3 Unit Control Systems?
-Voltage Regulator
-Current Limiter
-Reverse Current Cutout Relay
What does the current limiter do?
Reduces the generator voltage whenever the maximum safe current load is exceeded
What unit is designed to protect the generator from current loads that will cause it to overheat and eventually burn the insulation and windings?
Current Limiter
What is the reverse current cutout relay?
An automatic means to disconnect the generator from the battery when the generator voltage is lower than battery voltage
(Water runs down the hill)