NIFE Engines 3-6-1 Electrical Systems Flashcards
Describe an AC electrical system
An electric current which periodically changes its polarity and magnitude with time. Lightweight, simple, and reliable
Describe a DC electrical system
A form of electricity that flows in one direction. Equipment is usually heavy for their power output, are not as reliable, and require more maintenance
Generators
The main source of AC or DC power on an aircraft and is mechanically coupled to the gas turbine’s accessory drive section through a constant speed drive
Describe a basic aircraft electrical system
Provides the various electrical components with their power requirements through several buses
Inverter
Converts DC to AC
Transformer rectifier
A device that convert AC power to DC
Battery
Source of emergency DC power should the generators fail
Distribution Networks (Buses)
A common distribution point for electricity that provides a medium or path between the energy sources and their load
Types of buses
- Essential bus
- Primary bus
- Monitor or secondary bus
- Starter bus
Essential bus
Sends power to equipment required for flight safety (i.e. gyro)
Primary bus
Sends power to equipment devoted to the aircraft’s intended mission (i.e. radar)
Monitor or secondary bus
Sends power to convenience circuits (cabin lighting)
Starter bus
routes power to start the aircraft’s engines
Switches
Provide manual control of power
Circuit breakers
Provide a means to manually or automatically interrupt power
