Aircraft Electrical Systems

Aircra&
Electrical Systems
Chapter 9
Six Pack with HSI
Horizontal Situa>on Indicator - HSI
Horizontal Situa>on Indicator - HSI
Aspen Avionics EFD1000
Instrument Pricing
Bendix/King KCS55A HSI

!
Starts at $22,188

!
Starts at $6,180
Includes backup baQery
2011 Avia>on Consumer declares the HSI dead

!
It costs more to repair an HSI than to replace it with

a EFIS
Electrical Systems
Engine igni>on and controls

!
BaQery powered propulsion systems
Communica>ons
Naviga>on & Autopilots
Lights
Flight controls
Landing gear
Environmental controls
Entertainment system
NASA is studying structural control
Part 23 Requirements
Must be able to furnish the required power at

the proper voltage to each load circuit essen>al
for safe opera>on
Must be free from hazards in itself, in its method
of opera>on, and in its eects on other parts of
the aircra&
No failure or malfunc>on of any electrical power
source may impair the ability of the remaining
source to supply load circuits essen>al to safe
opera>on
Each system must be designed so that essen>al

load circuits can be supplied in the event of
reasonably probable faults or open circuits
There must be at least one generator/alternator
if the electrical system supplies power to load
circuits essen>al for safe opera>on
There must be a means of giving immediate
warning to the ight crew of a failure of the
generator/alternator
There must be a master switch installed in the

electrical system that allows the electrical power
source to be disconnected from the main bus
!
The point of disconnec>on must be adjacent to the

source controlled by the switch
Copper
!
Wire Selec>on
BeQer conductor
Aluminum
Less expensive
! Lighter weight
! Corrosion issues
! Easy to nick when removing insula>on
! #6 gage or larger
! Should not be used in areas of severe vibra>on
!
Specialty wires (e.g. coax or twisted pair)

!
Follow the manufacturers recommended

procedures
Wire Selec>on
Selec>ng insula>on type

!
Copy what is on the aircra&

Check for updates
Follow the manufacturers recommended

procedures
The general rule of thumb for replacing

aluminum electrical cable with copper is that
copper of two wire gages smaller (larger
number) may be used to replace aluminum
e.g. 8 gage aluminum can be replaced with 10 gage
copper
! Check load charts to be sure
!
Wire Selec>on
Wire size selec>on factors
Allowable power loss

! Permissible voltage drop
! Current carrying capability
! Con>nuous or intermiQent load
!
Wire Types
Wire Current Carrying Capacity

The American Wire Gauge (AWG)
system is used to indicate the size,
cross-sectional area, of electrical
wire
Allowable Voltage Drop
Electrical Wire Size Chart
Sample Problems
Round up to the larger size

28V, 20 A con>nuous for 30, in a bundle
!
#10
14V, 200 A for a starter (intermiQent) for 15,

single wire
!
#1
28V, 50 A con>nuous for 60, in a bundle

!
#4
What is the maximum length of single #16 wire

carrying 28V and 25 A intermiQent
!
Connectors
Use only high quality connector

Lasts longer
! Reduces troubleshoo>ng >me and cost
! Mil spec (AN or MS) are a good start
!
Use crimp style connectors when possible

!
Soldered connec>ons can bird cage
Female side should be the power side

Male side should be the ground or no power
side
Use the correct crimper and follow the
manufactures recommended procedures
Connectors
Use moisture-proof connectors when it may be

exposed to moisture
!
Any liquid
Terminal Strips
A barrier-type terminal strip.
Terminal Strips
Terminal strip used to manage wire

connec>ons
O&en use for centralized power and/or ground
!
Bus bars
All terminal studs are anchored against rota>on

AC43.13-1B Par 11-174(c)
!
No more than four terminal lugs or three terminal

lugs and a bus bar should be connected to any one
stud. Total number of terminal lugs per stud includes
a common bus bar joining adjacent studs. Four
terminal lugs plus a common bus bar thus are not
permiQed on one stud.
Terminal Strips
All stud nuts should be >ghtened

!
Even nuts with no connec>ons
Connec>ons should be rmly held together with

two nuts or suitable locking provisions
Spacers or washers should not be used between
the tongues of terminal lugs
Tightening terminal connec>ons should not
deform the terminal lugs or the studs
Terminal Strips
Terminal lugs should be so posi>oned that

bending of the terminal lug is not required to
remove the fastening screw or nut
Terminal lugs should be so posi>oned that
movement of the terminal lugs will tend to
>ghten the connec>on.
Wire Terminal Lugs
Figure 7-69. Method of installing crimped-on terminals.
Wire Terminal Lugs
The tensile strength of the wire-to-terminal joint

should be at least equivalent to the tensile
strength of the wire itself
Wire should extend past the barrel and be
visible a&er crimping
The terminal must crimp both the bare wire and
the insula>on
Use ring type terminals to prevent wire
disconnect
Wire Terminal Lugs
Aircra& grade color coding:
Red - #22 through #18 wire

! Blue - #16 through #14 wire
! Yellow - #12 through #10 wire
!
Wire Terminal Lugs
Wire Terminal Lugs
Wire Splices
Splicing is permiQed on wiring as long as it does

not aect the reliability and the
electromechanical characteris>cs of the wiring
No more than one splice in any wire segment
between any two connec>ons or other
disconnect points
!
Except:
AQaching to the spare pigtail lead of a poQed connector
Splicing mul>ple wires to a single wire
Adjus>ng wire size to t connector contact crimp barrel
size
Making an approved repair
Wire Splices
When several wires in a bundle are to be spliced,

the wires should be cut so that the splices are
staggered along the bundle
Use crimp type splice
!
Dont use solder splice
Splices should not be used within 12 inches of a

termina>on device
!
Except:
AQaching to the spare pigtail lead of a poQed connector
Splicing mul>ple wires to a single wire
Adjus>ng wire size to t connector contact crimp barrel
size
Stagger Wire Splices
Wire/Cable Labeling
Wires and cables should be labeled or marked

for future maintenance
Many aircra& have individual wires
manufactured with iden>ca>on markings to
match their wiring diagrams
Wires markings (AC43-13-1B par 11-208):
!
At each end and every 15

Under 3, no label
3 to 7, label in center
Indirect (aQached labels)

At each end and then every 6 (feet)
Video
Cable Lacing
Used secure and organize bundles of wires and

cable
!
Can secure a bundle with in a bundle
Dont use zip >es

Sharp edges
! Chafes insula>on
! Gets briQle when old
!
Use at lacing: MIL-T-43435B

!
Waxed coa>ng makes it easier to lace
See AC 43-13-1B par 11-158
Wire Harnesses
Video
An aircra& can have miles of wire
The wiring is organized into a wiring harness
A wire harness is made up of individual wires
and wire bundles
New wire harnesses are created using a wiring
board or jig
Electrical upgrades may come with their own
harness
Wire Harnesses
Wire Harnesses
Wire Harnesses
Wire Harnesses
Wire connec>ons may be protected in a junc>on

box
Non-vapor->ght boxes must have a drain hole
! Unused holes must be plugged up
! Fire proof junc>on boxes are constructed of stainless
steel (CRES)
! Oil canning boxes can cause electrical shorts
!
Wire Harnesses
Conduit may be used to route wire

Protec>ve piping - rigid or exible
! Protects wire from physical or mechanical damage
!
Moving parts
Supports wire
! Ends of conduit should be ared or have end
coverings to protect wire
! Use bonded clamps, electrically conduc>ve, to
secure conduit
!
Conduit
Wire Harnesses
Should be placed so it is not used as a handhold or

step
! Use installa>on powder (soapstone) to help with
wire installa>on
!
Wire Bundles
Used to organize wiring

Wires should be parallel in a bundle
Should be placed so crew or cargo will not
damage
Should be routed away from where water will
collect
Should be routed over baQery
Redundant systems should take separate routes
Should be routed above uid lines
!
6 above hazards uids
Wire Bundles
Wire Bundles
Conduit should be routed as direct as possible

FAA recommends minimizing the number of
wires per bundle to reduce failure risk
Use shielding for:
!
Cri>cal connec>ons
Cartridge actuated re ex>nguishers, rescue hoist shear,
and emergency jepson devices
EMI (Electromagne>c Interference) sensi>ve circuits
Wire Bundles
Bend radius should be at least 10 >mes the

outside bundle diameter
!
Individual coax bend radius is 6 >mes the outside

diameter
Wiring at terminal lugs or connectors should

have sucient slack to allow two re-
termina>ons without replacement of wires.
Wire Mechanical Issues
Support wire so there is less than 1/2 deec>on

between support points
Connectors should have strain relief
!
Hold wire secure
Use MS-21919 clamps

Cushioned clamps
! Insulated for wire bundles
! Bonded (connected to ground) used for conduit and
uid lines
! Close opening with safety wire to help with
installa>on
!
Zip Tie Stando
MS-21919 clamps
Interval not to exceed 24

! Snug t without pinching wires
!
Use grommets
Use edge grommet
Seal wire coming through rewall or landing well
Wire sleeving helps protect and organize wires
Clamps
Clamps
Adel Clamps
Adel Clamp Pliers
Clamps
Clamps
Edge Grommet
Wire Sleeving
Circuit Protec>on
Circuit Protec>on Part 23
Protec>ve devices, such as fuses or circuit

breakers, must be installed in all electrical
circuits other than:
Main circuits of starter motors used during star>ng
only
! Circuits in which no hazard is presented by their
omission
!
A protec>ve device for a circuit essen>al to ight

safety may not be used to protect any other
circuit
Each reseQable circuit protec>ve device (trip

free device in which the tripping mechanism
cannot be overridden by the opera>ng control)
must be designed so that:
A manual opera>on is required to restore service
a&er tripping
! If an overload or circuit fault exists, the device will
open the circuit regardless of the posi>on of the
opera>ng control
!
If the ability to reset a circuit breaker or replace

a fuse is essen>al to safety in ight, that circuit
breaker or fuse must be so located and
iden>ed that it can be readily reset or replaced
in ight
For fuses iden>ed as replaceable in ight:
There must be one spare of each ra>ng or 50
percent spare fuses of each ra>ng, whichever is
greater
! The spare fuse(s) must be readily accessible to any
required pilot
!
Circuit Protec>on AC 43
A circuit breaker must be rated so that it will

open before:
The current ra>ng of the wire aQached to it is
exceeded
! The cumula>ve ra>ng of all loads connected to it are
exceeded
! Whichever is lowest
!
Rated in Current
A circuit breaker must always open before any

component downstream can overheat and
generate smoke or re
Wires must be sized to carry con>nuous current
in excess of the circuit protec>ve device ra>ng
!
Circuit breakers are designed as circuit protec>on for

the wire, not for protec>on of black boxes or
components
Circuit protec>on should be as close to the

power bus/source as possible
Use of a circuit breaker as a switch is not

recommended
!
Use of a circuit breaker as a switch will decrease the

life of the circuit breaker
Automa>c reset circuit breakers, that

automa>cally reset themselves periodically, are
not recommended
Circuit breakers should be periodically cycled
with no load to enhance contact performance by
cleaning contaminants from the contact surfaces
Circuit Protec>on
Circuit Protec>on
Protec>on based on current not voltage

Circuit breaker:
Automa>cally opens a circuit any >me excessive
current ows through it
! Pilot can reset
! Mechanic can disable with zip >e
!
Fuse:
!
One use device

Internal wire or metal strip melts away
Slow and fast blow types

Slow blow are used for devices that have a large startup
current spike like an electric motor
Circuit Protec>on
Current Limiter:
!
Very large slow blow fuse

Use for very large current applica>ons
Switches
Switches should be derated from their nominal

current ra>ng for the following types of circuits:
Circuits containing incandescent lamps
! Induc>ve circuits have magne>c energy stored in
solenoid or relay coils
! Direct-current motors
!
Switches
Switches
Dera>ng a switch will obtain reasonable switch

eciency and service life
Any abnormal side to side movement of the
switch should be an alert to imminent failure
On-o two-posi>on switches should be
mounted so that the on posi>on is reached by
an upward or forward movement of the toggle
Inadvertent opera>on of switches can be
prevented by moun>ng suitable guards over the
switches
Grounding
Inadequate bonding or grounding can lead to

unreliable opera>on of systems, e.g., EMI,
electrosta>c discharge damage to sensi>ve
electronics, personnel shock hazard, or damage
from lightning strike
Ground types:
AC returns
! DC returns
! All others
!
Grounding
For distributed power systems, the power return

point for an alterna>ve power source should be
separated
Power return or fault current ground
connec>ons within ammable vapor areas must
be avoided
!
Use a separate return lead
Bonding
Bonding
Bonding
The process of electrically connec>ng all isolated

components to the aircra& structure
Provides a path for return current from the
components
Provides a low-impedance path to ground to
minimize radio interference from sta>c electrical
charges
Provides a path to ground to dissipate sta>c
charge from re hazards like fuel systems
Provides lightening strike protec>on
Bonding
All conduc>ng objects on the exterior of the

airframe must be electrically connected to the
airframe through mechanical joints, conduc>ve
hinges, or bond straps capable of conduc>ng
sta>c charges and lightning strikes
All isolated conduc>ng parts inside and outside
the aircra&, having an area greater than 3 in2
and a linear dimension over 3 inches must be
bonded to the aircra& structure
Bonding
The metallic conduit should be bonded to the

aircra& structure at each termina>ng and break
point
Bonding connec>ons should be secure and free
from corrosion
!
Stainless steel components use copper jumpers
Bonding jumpers should be made as short as

prac>cable
Resistance of each connec>on does not exceed
0.003 ohm
!
Measured with a milliohmmeter (AN/USM-21A)
Bonding
Bond aQachment hardware selec>on

considera>ons:
Mechanical strength
! Ease of installa>on
! Amount of current to be carried
!
BaQery
Electrical System
Stores electrical energy

! Provides DC electrical energy
! Starts engine(s)
! Filters power
! Provides needed power during short high load
situa>ons
! Must be recharged
!
A baQery stores only about 10 to 30 minutes worth of

energy
Recharging comes from engine driven alternator/
generator or auxiliary power unit (APU)
BaQery and Master Switch
Solenoid
A reverse-biased diode installed across the coil of the baQery contactor

allows the induced current that is produced when the master switch contacts open
to be dissipated in the coil rather than arcing across the switch contacts.
Examples:
!
Electrical Load
Radios and Instruments

Radios take much more power when transmipng
Lights
! Pitot tube heat
! Deicing hea>ng elements
! Flap and trim motors
! Entertainment systems
! Charging baQery
!
Electrical Load
Electrical power load is constantly changing and

greater than the baQery can provide
!
Requires an engine driven power source that can

regulate/vary the amount of power provided
Power sources
Engine driven generators or alternators
! Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)
! Ground Power Unit (GPU)
!
APU
B-17 APU
Ground Power Unit (GPU)
Source of electric energy external to the aircra&

BaQery cart
! Engine driven generator
!
Uses:
Start aircra&
! Run power systems while aircra& is on the ground
!
GPU Circuit
A typical aircra& ground-power circuit.
Single Engine Power System
A typical light-aircra& DC alternator system.
Twin Engine Power System
Used to balance
parallel power by
keeping voltage
the same
Light twin-engine aircra& electrical power system using individual electronic voltage regulators and overvoltage protectors.
The alternator paralleling circuit is built into the voltage regulators.
AC Generator
DC Generators
DC Generators
DC generators have slip rings that are split to

create DC voltage
!
The split slip ring is called the commutator
Generators are rated (sized) by the amount of

current they provide at a given voltage
e.g. 60 A at 12 volts
! Ra>ng is stamped on the generator case
!
More coils reduce the voltage ripple and provide

a cleaner power source
DC Generators
DC Generator Commutator
DC Generator Commutator
DC Generators
Field Frame
Field Pole Shoes
Field frame
DC Generators
Holds eld windings/coil

! The magne>c material holding the coil is called the
eld pole shoes
!
Made of laminated iron

!
Reduces the eddy current eects
Has a residual magne>c eld

!
If the eld coils are not energized, the residual magne>c eld
creates a residual voltage when the generator is turned
Enables a generator to work without a baQery
Residual magne>c eld can be restored by ashing the

eld coil
Field coils
DC Generators
Used to generate the magne>c eld that generates

the electricity
! The higher the current through the eld coils the
stronger the magne>c eld
!
The higher the output of the generator

Varying the eld coil current varies the output of the
generator
!
Should be a low resistance

High resistance indicates a break in the coil
DC Generator Armature
Fan for cooling
DC Generators Types
Dened by how the eld coils are arranged

Series Wound with armature coils
!
Never used in aircra&
Parallel (Shunt) Wound with armature coils

Compound Wound
Has both series and parallel wound eld coils
! Best type
! Interpoles are used to counteract eld distor>on
!
Overcomes the eect of armature reac>on

Reduces arcing at the brushes
DC Generators Mechanical Regulators
Simple light-aircra& generator system.

Also called vibrator-type voltage regulator
Controls the output voltage by controlling how
much current goes to the eld coil
Changes the resistance in series with the eld coil to

control the current
! Higher resistance -> lower eld current -> lower
power/voltage output
! Lower resistance -> higher eld current -> higher
power/voltage output
!
Uses three relays to control voltage, current

limits and reverse current
An A-circuit, three-unit generator control such as is used on light aircra&.

Relays:
!
Voltage Regulator
Opens (high resistance) and closes (lower resistances)
Constantly pulsing
!
Generates a lot of EMI noise
The longer closed the more current ows through the eld
coils
!
!
Higher power output

Higher current and/or voltage
Current Limiter
Increases the resistance to the eld coil to limit current

Relays:
!
Reverse Current
Disconnects baQery from the generator if the baQery
voltage is higher than the generator
!
Prevents draining of baQery
If it fails, current ows through the generator armature

opposite the normal direc>on and through the shunt eld
in the normal direc>on
DC Generator Brushes
DC Generator Brushes
DC Generators Maintenance
Check belt and moun>ng

Check connec>ons
Clean all oil and dust
!
Track down source of oil
Check brushes
!
At least 1/2 their original length

Usually has a wear mark
Pig tail is secure

Conducts current and prevents arcing to brush holders
Check brushes
!
Check spring strength

Weak spring will cause brushes to bounce and create
arcing
Shape end of new brushes
Check gap between commutator bars

Gap should be at least as deep as the width of the
mica (insulator)
! Clean gap
!
Growler Test
Checks for shorted coils in generators or motors

! Tester creates a magne>c eld in each coil
!
If the coil is shorted, the output voltage will be low

!
Can be measure with a volt meter or light
Video
Test insula>on with a Megohmmeter (Megger)

Measures very high resistance ranges with high
voltage
! Video
!
DC Generators Dual
Dual generator systems have an equalizing

circuit that insures the two generators are
pupng out the same voltage
!
Raises the low generator and lowers the high

generator
DC Generators Dual
Twin-engine aircra& generator system using vibrator-type voltage regulators and a paralleling relay.
DC Generators - FAA Ques>on
If any one generator in a 24-volt dc system

shows low voltage, the most likely cause is
A. an out-of-adjustment voltage regulator.
B. shorted or grounded wiring.
C. a defec>ve reverse current cutout relay.
DC Alternator
Stator or Armature Winding
Field Winding
Field Winding
DC Alternator
Stator or Armature Winding
DC Alternator
The internal circuit of a typical light-aircra& DC alternator.
Components:
!
DC Alternator
Stator (Armature) windings (coil)

The power comes from the stator winding
Loca>on on the case and doesnt rotate
Field windings (coil)

Rotates
Smooth, gapless slip rings
No permanent magnet
Diodes
Converts AC to DC
Regulator
Controls current to eld windings
Advantages:
DC Alternator
Lighter no permanent magnets

! Slip ring used for eld coils
!
Lower current requirements

Smooth
Brushes last longer
No EMI
!
AC to DC conversion done by diodes

Less EMI
No reverse current relay
Advantages:
!
DC Alternator
Solid state regulator

Less EMI
Wider adjustment range
!
Power at lower RPMs
Last longer than mechanical regulators
Disadvantages:
!
Needs baQery power to provide startup current for

eld coil
DC Alternator
Stator
!
Usually three phase

Six poles
!
Two per phase
The frequency of the wave form is determined by

the RPM of the alternator/engine
Typical Charging System

Power Bus Bar
Alt Fld
Alt Fld
Breaker
Main
Switch
Black
Main
Solenoid
Shunt
Resister
Orange
Alt
Switch
LO/OV
Light
Alt Out
Breaker
Amp
Meter
Red
Over
Voltage
Sensor
Alt Out
BaQery
I
S
Voltage
Regulator/
ACU
A
F
ALT
DC Alternator
Solid state regulator

!
Components:
Regulator
Overvoltage protec>on
Packaged separately, combined or built into alternator
Regulator
Regulates eld winding current
Circuit is very similar to solid state voltage regulator
!
!
Zener diode used to reference alternator output voltage

Transistors control eld winding current
Overvoltage protec>on
Prevents alternator from producing too much voltage
Alternator Troubleshoo>ng Steps
Setup
Connec>ons
Electrical Components
Finish Up
Setup
Avionic must be turned o

!
Protects them from damage
Master switch On when checking voltage

Master switch O when checking resistance
Select mul>-meter range before measuring
Secure item before running engine
Check circuit breakers
!
If tripped, nd out why
Connec>ons
Check all mechanical connec>ons are >ght

Check grounding straps
Cleanup all corrosion
Check for damaged insula>on
Recommend customer replace old aluminum
baQery cable
BeQer cold starts
! Save money through longer component life
!
Check alternator belt

Insure alternator bearings work smoothly
Typical Charging System

Power Bus Bar
Alt Fld
Alt Fld
Breaker
Main
Switch
Black
Main
Solenoid
Shunt
Resister
Orange
Alt
Switch
LO/OV
Light
Alt Out
Breaker
Amp
Meter
Red
Over
Voltage
Sensor
Alt Out
BaQery
I
S
Voltage
Regulator/
ACU
A
F
ALT
Electrical Components
Voltage Tes>ng Setup (Voltage On)
Master switch (Bat & Alt) - On

! Alternator eld switch On
! Alternator eld and Main alternator breaker On
! To generate a load, turn landing lights on
!
Check Amp Meter with load on

If needle deects, it is OK
! If no deec>on plus voltage on connec>ons and
shunt resistor, replace meter
!
Voltage Regulator
With Voltage On, check voltage regulator pins

!
All pins should be close to Power Bus Bar voltage
If Pin S is low, check Over Voltage Sensor (OVS)

connec>ons
!
If OVS connec>ons are good, OVS is bad
If Pin F is low
Disconnect Pin F to alternator lead
! If Pin F is s>ll low, replace Voltage Regulator
!
Regulator is shorted, also check if alternator eld shorted

!
If Pin F is high, check alternator
Voltage Regulator
If Pin A is low
!
Usually a connec>on problem
If Pin I is high and LV/OV light is out

!
Check bulb and wiring
Alternator
Disconnect alternator leads and check alternator

voltage o
Check resistance between F (eld lead) and
ground connec>on
Range 3 to 6 ohms
! If low, eld coil is shorted - replace alternator
! If high
!
Service brushes and clean commutator

Resistance s>ll high, eld coil is broken - replace alternator
Alternator
Check for open Stator by measuring resistance

between B (baQery lead) and ground
If high, stator is open and alternator needs to be
replaced
! May have to use diode mul>-meter sepng
!
Check for shorted diode bridge

Place a mul>-meter in series with alternator B lead
to measure leakage current
! Power on
! If leakage current is over 0.5 mA, bridge is bad
replace alternator
!
Alternator
Check for open diode bridge
Power on, engine at 1500 RPM and lights on

! Check AC voltage on B lead
!
If over 0.5 V, bridge is bad replace alternator
Alternator
Check alternator output
Install mul>-meter to measure current in to F lead

! Power on, engine at 1500 RPM and lights on
! If current is 3.5 A or higher and alternator output is
s>ll low, replace alternator
!
If s>ll unable to determine problem, run external

regulator test outlined in Alternator Test
Regulator handout
Finish Up
Do a nal complete system test with engine

running and lights on
Charge/test baQery
!
Remember Diamond DA42 crash
Reinstall and >ghten all components

Clean aircra&
!
Return aircra& in as-good or beQer shape than you

received it
Complete logbook entry and work order
Large Aircra& Electrical Power
Some turbine engine combine a starter motor

and generator in a single unit
The windings serve double duty
! Power is applied in the starter mode
! Power is produced in the generator mode
!
AC (Alterna>ng Current) power is used on large

aircra&
!
Usually run at high voltage

Low current means less power loss in wiring
Easy to convert to dierent voltages with a

transformer

aircra&
Commonly run at 400 Hz
! Voltage must be regulated
! Frequency must be >ghtly controlled
! Mul>ple generator systems:
!
Matched voltage
Matched frequency
Synchronized AC wave forms
!
!
In phase
Peaks and valleys must match perfectly

aircra&
!
Constant Speed Drives (CSD) are used to control

generator speed and phase
Constant Speed Drive (CSD)

aircra&
!
Constant Speed Drives (CSD) are used to control

generator speed and phase
Uses a mechanical transmission to control the frequency
(speed) and phase
Transmission consists of a hydraulic pump driving a
hydraulic motor
!
The amount of uid going to the motor is varied to control the

speed and phase
Usually oil cooled

Can be electrically taken o line with a cockpit switch
In-ight failures can only be xed on the ground
!
Example: Overhea>ng

aircra&
!
Integrated Drive Generator (IDG) is a brushless

generator
Used in high power applica>ons
Has a built-in generator that provides the eld current
when the generator turns
!
A generator inside a generator
If metal found in oil, replace unit

!
AC voltage can be converted to low voltage DC with a

transformer and diode bridge (rec>ers)
Integrated Drive Generator (IDG)
DC to AC Converter
Called invertors
Generates AC by switching the DC
Method 1: Switch DC on and o
! Method 2: Switch direc>on of DC
!
Switching is accomplished by:

Electric motor
! Solid state switching circuit driven by an oscillator
!
DC Electric Motors
DC Electric Motors
Very similar to generator except electric power is

used to create rota>on
Major components
Armature assembly
! Field assembly
! Brush assembly
! End frame
!
Series DC Motor
Shunt (Parallel) DC Motor
Compound DC Motor
DC Electric Motors
Types (based on the eld windings):

!
Series
Field windings are a few turns of heavy wire connected in
series with the armature winding
Good star>ng torque
!
!
High startup current

More current at low RPMs
Bad speed control

!
Shunt (Parallel)
Good speed control
Compound (Series and Parallel)
DC Electric Motors
Direc>on Change:
Change the current direc>on in the eld windings

! Change the current direc>on in the armature
windings
! Changing both eld and armature windings will not
change direc>on
! Some motors have two eld windings in opposite
direc>ons to enable direc>on switching
!
Speed can be varied by changing eld winding

current
Brushless motors replace the commutator with
switching transistor
DC Electric Motors
Armature Brake:
Fric>on type brake applied to the armature

! A spring is used to apply the brake force and an
electric magnet is used to withdraw the brake
!
Stops the motor quickly when the electric power is

removed
!
Example: Landing light retrac>on motor
External Lights
Types:
!
Posi>on (Naviga>on)
Green right wing >p
Red le& wing >p
White - ver>cal stabilizer
An>-collision
Types:
!
!
Rota>ng beam lights

White strobe
Landing
! Taxi lights
! TSO light required in IFR experimental aircra&
!
Must have separate control switches
Miscellaneous
AC 43.13-1B 11-35(d) - In installa>ons where the

ammeter is in the generator or alternator lead
and the regulator system does not limit the
maximum current that the generator or
alternator can deliver, the ammeter can be
redlined at 100 percent of the generator or
alternator ra>ng
Most accurate type of frequency-measuring
instrument is an integrated circuit chip having a
clock circuit
!
What about crystal controlled?
Miscellaneous
When using voltage to check a circuits

resistance, the input voltage must be held
constant
FAA Ques>on
How can it be determined if a transformer

winding has some of its turns shorted together?
a. Measure the input voltage with an ohmmeter.
b. The output voltage will be high.
c. The transformer will get hot in normal opera>on.

Aircraft Electrical Systems

Transféré par

Informations du document

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Aircraft Electrical Systems

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Aircra&

Six Pack with HSI

Horizontal Situa>on Indicator - HSI

Horizontal Situa>on Indicator - HSI

Aspen Avionics EFD1000

Aspen Avionics EFD1000

Aspen Avionics EFD1000

Aspen Avionics EFD1000

Aspen Avionics EFD1000

Aspen Avionics EFD1000

Aspen Avionics EFD1000

Aspen Avionics EFD1000

Aspen Avionics EFD1000

Aspen Avionics EFD1000

Bendix/King KCS55A HSI

Aspen Avionics EFD1000

2011 Avia>on Consumer declares the HSI dead

It costs more to repair an HSI than to replace it with

Engine igni>on and controls

BaQery powered propulsion systems

Must be able to furnish the required power at

Each system must be designed so that essen>al

There must be a master switch installed in the

The point of disconnec>on must be adjacent to the

Specialty wires (e.g. coax or twisted pair)

Follow the manufacturers recommended

Selec>ng insula>on type

Copy what is on the aircra&

Follow the manufacturers recommended

The general rule of thumb for replacing

Wire size selec>on factors

Allowable power loss

Wire Current Carrying Capacity

Allowable Voltage Drop

Electrical Wire Size Chart

Round up to the larger size

14V, 200 A for a starter (intermiQent) for 15,

28V, 50 A con>nuous for 60, in a bundle

What is the maximum length of single #16 wire

Use only high quality connector

Use crimp style connectors when possible

Soldered connec>ons can bird cage

Female side should be the power side

Use moisture-proof connectors when it may be

A barrier-type terminal strip.

Terminal strip used to manage wire

All terminal studs are anchored against rota>on

No more than four terminal lugs or three terminal

All stud nuts should be >ghtened

Even nuts with no connec>ons

Connec>ons should be rmly held together with

Terminal lugs should be so posi>oned that

Wire Terminal Lugs

Figure 7-69. Method of installing crimped-on terminals.

Wire Terminal Lugs

The tensile strength of the wire-to-terminal joint

Wire Terminal Lugs

Aircra& grade color coding:

Red - #22 through #18 wire

Wire Terminal Lugs

Wire Terminal Lugs

Splicing is permiQed on wiring as long as it does

When several wires in a bundle are to be spliced,

Dont use solder splice