AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14

(Subject Code AAB30403)

Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Aircraft Electrical Systems

Chapter 2
Sources of Aircraft Power
- Generators

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AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14
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AIRCRAFT POWER REQUIREMENTS

The aircraft electrical system provides

electrical power to the onboard aircraft

electrical and avionic equipment .
Configuration of the electrical system and the
type of power it provides is dependent on the
size and category of the aircraft .
Light, single-engine aircraft:
Engine-driven DC generator or DC alternator
Require inverter for the AC voltage requirements.

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14

(Subject Code AAB30403)

Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Page No : 3

Medium size aircraft have a much greater electrical

load than smaller aircraft, they employ 28-volt

instead of 14-volt systems.
Higher voltage results in a lower current requirement for a
given load.
Smaller cable size and less weight.
Require inverter for the AC voltage requirements.

Some medium size aircraft uses wild frequency

generator as supplementary power supply to the

DC generators.
115 Volts at about 370 to 430 Hz frequency range.
Mainly used for heating.

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14
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In larger, multi-engine aircraft, DC generators

are replaced with AC generators, which are
more efficient and lighter in weight.
Generate 115-volt power at 400 Hz.
High voltage allows to use smaller cable less
weight.
High-frequency require less iron in transformer
cores and armatures less weight.
Require TRU (Transformer Rectifier Unit) for the
DC voltage requirements.

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

DC Generator

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AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

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The AC is converted into direct current (DC) by a

switching system known as a commutator.

A commutator is basically two half-cylinders and is
connected to the external circuit through stationary
brushes.
As the loop rotate, the commutator allows one brush
to contact with the conductor that moves downward
and the other brush in contact with the conductor
that moves upward as B and D. This
commutator action produces pulsating DC voltage
that varies from zero to maximum twice in one
revolution.

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14

(Subject Code AAB30403)

Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

To reduce the ripple of DC

voltage, more loops are
added.

Increase in loops:
will increase the number of
commutator segments.
will smoothen the ripples and
generate enough DC power
supply.
does not increase the maximum
value of the generated voltage.

The value of the generated voltage can be increased by

increasing the number of turns in each loop.

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AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

DC GENERATOR
COMPONENTS

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Date : 1 /7/14
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AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

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DC GENERATOR COMPONENTS
Field frame or Yoke
Commutator End Frames and Drive End Frames.
Field Poles or Shoes
Field Coils or Windings
Brushes
The Armature Assembly

The shaft
The iron core
Armature or output winding
Commutator

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14
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Factors Affecting DC Generators Performance

Heat
Caused by high current flow and flux changes.
Dissipated by ram air.

Generator Armature Seizure

Jamming of generators armature rotation due to bearing failure.
Quill drive with weak point will break to prevent damage to the

generator and gearbox.

Internal Voltage Drop

Caused by internal resistance of the generator.
Voltage regulator keeps output voltage constant under all load.

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14
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Factors Affecting DC Generators Performance

(contd)
Reactance Voltage
Caused by changing current direction at the brush.
Interpoles windings.

Armature Reaction
Distortion of the main field caused by the interaction between the

main field and the armature field produced when current flow in
the armature windings.
Compensating Windings
Interpoles Auxiliary Windings

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14
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DC GENERATOR MAINTENANCE
To keep the generator in good working order
Carried out as specified in the aircraft maintenance schedule
Overhaul is often accomplished at the same time as engine overhaul

thus minimize aircraft down time

Carried out in accordance with CMM.

Routine Inspection and Servicing:
Inspect for security of mounting
Inspect mounting flange for oil leaks
Inspect electrical connections for cleanliness and security of

attachments
Inspect area around the commutator and brush assemblies for any
solder particles. Loose solder particles indicate generator has
overheated
Use compressed air to blow out accumulated dust around the
brushes and commutator
Inspect brushes for wear and freedom of movement

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

AC Generator
Main electrical power source in larger aircraft
Two major components of aircraft generator.
Rotor
Stator

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AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

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Three basic types of ac generator:

Permanent Magnet Generator.
Rotor is permanent magnet
Commonly used as the first stage of brushless generator.

Rotating Armature Generator.

Same construction as DC generator except the commutator

is replaced with slip rings.

Output is taken out through slip rings (2 or 4) and carbon
brushes.
Current is passed through the stator winding to provide field
excitation. - limited output.
Output frequency, f=Np/60 where N is rotation speed and p
is pair of poles.

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
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Rotating Field Generator

Armature stationary and magnetic field rotates

Used almost universally in aircraft systems

Only two slip rings and carbon brush requires to power

the rotating field.

Output can be 3 phase connected in Wye connection
or Delta connection.
Normal output is 115/200Volts 3 phase connected in
Wye connection.

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14
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Brushless Generator
Mostly used as aircraft AC generators.
Basically it is three generators in one as shown in the
next figure.
Very minimum maintenance due to no brushes and slip
rings.
Better power to weight ratio.
Generator Control Unit (GCU) controls the output voltage,
current and frequency.
Maintenance
Very little maintenance required for AC generators.
They are normally treated as an on condition item.

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14
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AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
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Starter Generator
It is basically a DC generator that can be used as

starter motor.
When used as starter, the battery power is
connected to the starter-gen. It will become a motor
and crank the engine.
At certain speed, the battery supply is removed and
the starter-gen will be driven by the engine and
become a generator.
Generator control unit (GCU) control this transition
smoothly.
Maintenance of starter-gen is similar to DC
generator.

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14
Page No : 19

DC Alternator
An AC generator with built in full wave rectifier unit.
Internally, it is a rotating field AC generator.
Two carbon brush and slip rings are required to provide
power to the rotating field.
Excitation power is provided by the aircraft battery.
The AC voltage from the stator windings are fed to built-in
full wave rectifier. Output of the rectifier is used to power
the aircraft and charge the aircraft battery as shown in the
following figure.

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14
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AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14
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Inverter
Device for converting direct current into alternating current at

the frequency and voltage required for particular purposes

On large aircraft, inverters are typically used for emergency
situations only. It convert battery power to AC during total
power failure.
On aircraft with DC generators, inverter is occupied full time
to convert the DC to AC. The AC power is required by some
instruments.
There are two basic types of inverters, rotary and static
Modern aircraft employ static inverters because of their
reliability, efficiency, and weight savings over rotary inverters

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14
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AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14
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Rotary Inverter
That is, a constant-speed motor was employed to
drive an alternator that was designed to produce
the particular type of power required as shown in
the next figure.
High maintenance due to many moving parts.
Low power to weight ratio.
Less Efficient and noisy.
Output voltage tend to reduce at high load.

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14
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AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14
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Static Inverter
Solid-state inverter with no moving parts as shown in the
next figure.
Higher power to weight ratio.
Stable output voltage at different loads.
Minimum maintenance since no moving parts.
Short warm up time
Quiet operation

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

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Date : 1 /7/14
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AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Typical static inverter

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AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14
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Transformer Rectifier Unit (TRU)

Used to convert ac power to dc power
Consists of transformer and rectifier
Transformer step the voltage down while the rectifier convert

it to dc current.
In majority of aircraft, TRUs are their main dc power source.
There are single phase rectifier or three phase rectifier.

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14
Page No : 29

As shown below, single phase full wave rectification

produces an output at twice the original frequency but
the ac content or ripple has been reduced

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14
Page No : 30

The next figure shows a full wave rectification of a three phase

supply. We can see that the ripple has reduced a lot and the
frequency is six time the supply.

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Revision : Rev01
Date : 1 /7/14
Page No : 31

Maintenance
Ensure TRU has adequate cooling, ducts not
blocked
Ensure cooling air flow in the right direction.
Check that electrical connections are secured.
Functional test the overheat circuit.
Functional test the TRU

AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

(Subject Code AAB30403)
Malaysian Institute of Aviation
Technology

Wassalam

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