AIR CONDITIONING INTRODUCTION

Air Conditioning Introduction

The A320 Flight Deck and Cabin environment is controlled by the
Air Conditioning System.
The main components of this system are: two air conditioning
packs, trim air, ram air, cabin recirculation fans, and avionics
ventilation.

Three Zones
The air conditioning operation is automatic.
In addition to supplying fresh air, the system maintains a constant
selected temperature that is independently controlled for each of
the three zones.
The three zones are the Cockpit, Forward Cabin, and Aft Cabin.

Controls and Indicators

The Air Conditioning system control panel is located on the
Overhead Panel.
Indicating lights on the control panel and various ECAM pages
provide status information to the crew.

Other ECAM Pages

Here, we show the ECAM CRUISE page.
It is the normal ECAM display during flight and shows the Air
Conditioning parameters on the lower portion.
We will refer to various ECAM pages throughout this training.
For now, click the highlighted buttons on the ECAM Control Panel
to view ECAM pages that show reference to air conditioning and
pressurization parameters.

Pneumatic Diagram Review

The packs receive high pressure air through the pneumatic system
from the engine bleed, APU bleed, or a ground source of
compressed air.

Coldest Zone Selection

The two packs operate in conjunction with the trim air system to
provide independent temperature control for the three zones.
The packs provide air temperatures to satisfy the coldest zone
selection, while hot trim air is added to the specific zones that
require a warmer air temperature.

Pack Flow Control Valves

The high pressure air flows through the two pack flow control
valves to the two packs.
From the packs, the conditioned air flows to the mixing unit.

Mixing Unit
The mixing unit mixes the conditioned air from the packs with
recirculated air from the cabin that is pulled by the Cabin Fans.
The mixing unit then distributes the air mixture to the three zones.

Cabin Fans - Recirculation

The Cabin Fans are electrically powered, and are installed to
recirculate cabin air.
By recirculating the cabin air, the cabin airflow is increased and
bleed air demand from the engines is reduced, therefore increasing
fuel efficiency.

CAB FANS pb
The fans are controlled by the CAB FANS pushbutton on the
Ventilation panel.
The normal position of this switch is ON, however the switch can
be used to select the fans to OFF during abnormal conditions as
required by an ECAM procedure.

Pack and Zone Controllers

Control for the temperature regulation is provided by the Zone
Controller inputs to the two Pack Controllers and by the three Trim
Air Valves.

Pack Controllers
The Pack Controllers control the output flow and temperature of air
from each pack, to maintain the temperature of the coldest zone
temperature setting(s) on the COCKPIT, FWD CABIN, and AFT
CABIN Zone Temperature Selectors on the AIR COND panel.

Zone Controller
Trim Air is then added and modulated as necessary by the Zone
Controller to add hot air from the respective Trim Air Valves to the
air from the mixing unit to maintain the temperature demanded by
the respective warmer Zone Temperature Selector settings for the
affected Zone(s).

HOT AIR pb
The hot airflow to all Trim Air Valves is controlled by the Hot Air
Pressure Regulator Valve, that is normally on but can be selected
OFF by the crew or when commanded to close automatically for
abnormal conditions.

Zone Selectors
The Regulator Valve regulates the Trim Air temperature to meet the
requirements for the normal ranges of the Zone Temperature
Selectors.

External Conditioned Air

EXT. COND AIR:
When the aircraft is parked and the packs are not operating, low
pressure conditioned air may be supplied directly to the mixing unit
by a ground connection.
In this situation, the mixing unit and ductwork are simply used to
deliver the conditioned ground air while the temperature is
controlled by the ground conditioned air source.

Ram Air Introduction

RAM AIR:
During flight below 10,000, the Ram Air Valve can provide an
emergency supply of cabin ventilation during de-pressurized flight.

Ram Air Diagram

Ram Air is controlled by a guarded pb.
When the RAM AIR pb is ON, and the Ditching switch is not
selected, outside air can flow through the Ram Air Inlet, through the
mixing unit, and on to the cockpit and cabin.
If the differential pressure exceeds 1 psi., the check valve will not
open to supply ram air flow.

Outflow Valve
When Ram Air is selected on and the Outflow Valve is operating
under automatic control, the Outflow Valve will open about 50% as
long as the differential pressure is less than 1 psi.

Ram Air Memo

When the RAM AIR pb is selected ON, a memo of RAM AIR ON
displays in green.
In addition to providing an emergency supply of cabin air after a
dual pack failure, the Ram Air can also be used to ventilate the
cabin in the event of cabin smoke.

Avionics Ventilation
AVIONICS VENTILATION INTRODUCTION:
An automatic ventilation system provides cooling for the electronic
and electrical components in the flight deck and the avionics
compartment.
This system is controlled by the Avionic Equipment Ventilation
Computer (AEVC).

Blower / Extract pb's

Avionics Ventilation uses external air, conditioned air, or skin heat
exchanger air cooling to provide cooling airflow, according to a
specific configuration.
The Avionics Ventilation configuration is set by valves, a Blower
Fan, and an Extract Fan.
Avionics Smoke is detected by the FWS (Flight Warning System).
Well describe Avionics Ventilation in a separate CBT module.

Battery Ventilation
BATTERY VENTILATION:
A Venturi in the skin of the aircraft draws air from the space around
the batteries and vents it overboard.
This provides ventilation for the batteries.
No control or indication of this system operation is provided to the
flight crew.

Lav and Galley Vent

LAVATORY AND GALLEY VENTILATION:
An extraction fan draws ambient cabin air through the lavatories
and galleys and exhausts it near the outflow valve. The extraction
fan operates whenever the aircraft has normal electrical power. No
control or indication of this system operation is provided to the
flight crew.
We have now completed the Introduction to Air Conditioning.

AIR CONDITIONING PACKS

Pack Introduction
The two Air Conditioning packs operate automatically and
independently of each other.
Lets follow the flow of bleed air as it enters and flows through a
single pack.

Pack Flow Control Valve

First, when the Pack is on, the warm pre-conditioned bleed air
enters the cooling path via the Pack Flow Control Valve and is
ducted to the primary heat exchanger which provides the initial
cooling of the air.
Pack Flow Control Valve 2
Each Pack Flow Control Valve is pneumatically-operated and
electrically-controlled.
The Pack Flow Control Valve regulates the flow of compressed air
to the pack in accordance with signals received from the Pack
Controller.
It is turned on when the Pack pushbutton is selected ON, and
turned off when the pb is selected OFF.
If there is insufficient air pressure, a spring keeps the valve closed
regardless of the switch position.

Pack Overheat - Pack Flow Valve

Even with the Pack pb selected ON, the pack controller will close
the Pack Flow Control Valve if the pack overheats, if the Fire
pushbutton of the associated engine is pressed, or if the Ditching
switch is selected ON.

PACK pb
The Pack pb normally remains in the ON position.
During engine start, the Pack Flow Control Valves will automatically
close as soon as the MODE selector is set to IGN (Ignition) or CRK
(Crank) for start.
During engine start, the Pack Flow Control Valves remain closed
when the MASTER switch is set to ON (or the MAN START pb is set
to ON), and the start valve is open and N2 < 50%.

After Start
After engine start, the Pack Flow Control Valves automatically
open; however on the ground, reopening of the valves is delayed
for 30 seconds after the first engine start.
This delay avoids cycling of the valves before the second engine
start
If the second engine is not started within 30 seconds, the Pack
Flow Control Valves will open until the second engine MASTER
switch is set to ON.
Pack FCV on Bleed Page
The operation of the Pack Flow Control Valve is displayed on the
ECAM BLEED page.
The amount of flow that is provided by the Pack Flow Control Valve
is also displayed.
When the valve is closed, the flow indicates on the LO side and is
amber.
At other times, the flow line displays in green and to the right of the
LO position.
Read the pop-up information about this display.

Heat Exchanger Cooling

The cooling air over the pack heat exchangers is provided by a
pack driven cooling fan, and in flight, cooling air is also provided
by ram air.

Compressor Section
The cooled bleed air enters the compressor section of the air-cycle
machine and is compressed to a higher pressure and temperature.
The temperature of the air that exits the compressor section is
displayed above the Pack Flow.
It normally displays green, but displays amber for temperatures
above 230 degrees C.

Main Heat Exchanger

After passing through the compressor, the air flows through the
main heat exchanger where it is cooled again.

Water Separator
A water separator system dries the air before it enters the turbine
section.
Turbine
After the main heat exchanger, the air flows through the turbine
section, where it expands, and heat is removed from the air.
This expansion generates power to drive the compressor and
cooling air fan.
The removal of heat energy during this process reduces the
temperature of the air, resulting in very low air temperature at
turbine discharge.

Anti-Ice Valve
This valve automatically opens when icing conditions are sensed at
the output of the turbine section.
The purpose of this valve is to allow warm air to bypass the cooling
process and stop the formation of ice. It can provide a backup
method of temperature control in abnormal conditions.

Bypass Valve
A Bypass Valve is also installed. It is automatically modulated by
the pack controller to provide control of the output temperature of
the air from this pack.
Without the operation of the Bypass Valve, the pack would always
provide the coldest possible output.
With the operation of the Bypass Valve, the output temperature of
air from each pack can be controlled.

Bypass Valve Position Display

The position of the Bypass Valve is displayed on the BLEED page,
and automatically modulates between C (cold-valve closed) and H
(hot-valve open).

Pack Output Temp. Display

The temperature output from the pack is also displayed on the
BLEED page.
The display is normally green, but becomes amber if the
temperature exceeds 900 C.
End of Pack Description
Ok, we have described the operation and displays for the packs.
Now, well describe the operation of the temperature control for
each zone.

Hot Air PRV

The Hot-Air Pressure-Regulating Valve controls and regulates the
pressure of hot air, tapped upstream of the packs, that is delivered
to the Trim Air Valves.
The operation of the Hot-Air Pressure-Regulating Valve is displayed
on the ECAM COND page.

HOT AIR pb
It is pneumatically-operated and electrically-controlled from the
HOT AIR pushbutton on the AIR COND panel.
This pushbutton normally remains ON for automatic operation
of Trim Air.
In the absence of air, a spring keeps the Hot-Air Pressure-
Regulating Valve closed.

Optimize the Zones

With the Hot-Air Pressure-Regulating Valve open, the individual
Trim Air Valves can optimize the temperature of each zone.

Abnormal - Hot Air PRV Closes

In abnormal conditions, the Hot-Air Pressure-Regulating Valve
closes automatically, if the duct overheats, or the cockpit trim air
valve fails, or both cabin trim air valves fail.
Note: The hot-air pressure-regulating valve remains operative, even
if either the forward or aft cabin trim air valve fails, but not both.

Trim Air Valves Ops.

The Trim Air Valves are electrically-controlled by the Zone
controller.
One trim air valve, associated with a specific zone, adjusts the
temperature by adding hot air to the air from the mixing unit
according to the selected temperature of the Zone Temperature
Selector.

Trim Air Valves Position Display

The operation of the Trim Air Valves is displayed on the ECAM
COND page.

Zone and Pack Controllers

Automatic Temperature and Flow regulation is controlled by one
Zone Controller and two Pack Controllers.

Pack Controller
Each Pack Controller regulates the temperature of its associated
pack, in accordance with a demand signal from the Zone Controller,
by modulating the bypass valve and the Ram Air Inlet Flap.
The Pack Controllers also regulate flow by modulating the
associated pack flow control valve.

Ram Air Inlet Flaps

Although you have learned that the Ram Air Inlet Flaps are normally
modulated for temperature control, they close during takeoff and
landing to avoid ingestion of foreign matter.
During takeoff the ram air inlet flaps close when TO. power is set
and the main landing gear struts are compressed. During landing
they close as soon as the main landing gear struts are compressed
as long as speed is at or above 70 knots. They open 20 seconds
after the speed drops below 70 knots.

Zone Temp. Selectors

The flight crew uses the Zone Temperature selectors on the air
conditioning panel in the cockpit to select the reference
temperatures.
With a Zone temperature selector at the12 oclock position, the
approximate selection equals 24C.
The full COLD position represents an approximate setting of 18C,
while the full HOT position represents an approximate setting of
30C.

Temperature Sensors
The zone controller computes a temperature demand from the
selected temperature and the sensed actual temperature.
The actual temperature is measured by sensors located:
- in the cockpit, for the cockpit zone, or
- in the lavatory extraction circuit and galley ventilation system, for
the cabin.

Zone Temp Displays

The temperature of each zone is displayed in green on the ECAM
COND page.
The temperature of the air in the duct to the zone is also
displayed.
The duct temperature normally displays in green, but displays
amber at 80 C or above.

Lowest Demanded Temperature

A signal corresponding to the lowest demanded zone temperature
goes to the pack controller, which then makes both packs produce
the required outlet temperature.
As you know, the zone controller optimizes the temperature by
action of the trim air valves.
The temperature selection range is from 18C to 30C .

Pack Flow Selector

The crew can use the PACK FLOW selector to adjust the pack flow
for the number of passengers and for external conditions. There
are 3 positions for this selector.
LO equals 80%, NORM equals 100%, and HI equals 120% of flow.

LO Flow
LO flow might be selected when there are light passenger loads
(below 115) and minimal need for temperature change in the
cabin. This mode demands less bleed air and therefore increases
fuel efficiency. Note: The system delivers normal flow if the crew
selects LO flow and the temperature demand cannot be satisfied.
NORM is selected to provide the normal flow rates.
HI flow should be selected when there is hot and humid
conditions.

High Flow - Automatic

Regardless of the selected flow rate, the system delivers high flow
when:
-in single-pack operation, or
-when the APU is supplying bleed air.

Bleed Outputs Increased

The Engine and APU bleed outputs can be automatically increased
when the packs provide insufficient cooling.
When the APU bleed valve is not open and the cooling demand in
one zone cannot be satisfied because the engine bleed pressure is
too low, the zone controller sends a pressure demand signal to
both Engine Interface Units (EIU) to increase the minimum idle and
to raise the bleed pressure.

Increased APU Output

When the APU bleed valve is open and any zone temperature
demand cannot be satisfied, the zone controller signals the APUs
Electronic Control Box (ECB) to increase the APU flow output.

Description of Switches / Lights

On this frame, you can move your mouse over each switch and
light and view a pop-up description of each item.
This completes the description of normal operation of the Packs
and Zone temperature control.
 AVIONICS VENTILATION

Avionics Ventilation Intro.

Avionics Ventilation is an automatic system that provides cooling
to the electrical and electronic components in the Avionics
Compartment and on the flight deck.
The items that are cooled by this system include the instrument
and circuit breaker panels.

Two Electric Fans

Two electric cooling fans are used to provide the necessary airflow.
A system of valves operate to direct the airflow for various
configurations.
The configuration is normally controlled automatically by the
Avionics Equipment Ventilation Computer (AEVC), but may be
controlled manually by the BLOWER and EXTRACT pushbuttons
on the VENTILATION panel during abnormal operations.

Blower and Extract Pushbuttons

For normal operations, these BLOWER and EXTRACT pushbuttons
are in the AUTO position and all lights are out; for abnormal
operations, one or both pushbuttons will be selected to OVRD as
directed by ECAM.

Skin Temp. Thresholds

During this module, well refer to skin temperature thresholds for
on-ground and in-flight operation of the Avionics Ventilation.
The two thresholds are shown here and are available for reference
throughout this module.

Various Configurations
Depending on the skin temperature, the cooling air is provided by
outside air, circulated air in the pressurized portion of the aircraft,
or by the air conditioning system.
Open Circuit - Normal Ground
The Open-Circuit Configuration is the NORMAL GROUND
CONFIGURATION and operates only if the thrust levers are not at
Takeoff and the skin temperature is above the on-ground
threshold.
We would expect to see this configuration during mildly cool,
warm, or hot ground operations and it is not available in flight.
The AEVC will select the configuration to the closed circuit
configuration on the ground if the skin temprature is very cool or
cold.

Open Circuit Diagram

This Open-Circuit Configuration diagram shows that outside air is
pulled through the open Skin Air Inlet valve by the Blower Fan and
then moves through the Avionics Equipment.
The Extract Fan pulls this air and conditioned air from the cockpit
panels and blows it overboard through the Skin Air Extract Valve.
All other valves are closed in the Open-Circuit Configuration.

Closed Circuit - Ground - Cold

The Closed-Circuit Configuration operates while the aircraft is on
the ground, thrust levers not at Takeoff, and the skin temperature
below the on-ground threshold.
This is the operation that we would expect to see during very cool
or cold ground operations.

Closed Circuit - Normal Inflight

Also, the Closed-Circuit Configuration is the NORMAL IN-FLIGHT
CONFIGURATION and during flight, operates if the skin temperature
is below the in-flight threshold.
The AEVC will select the configuration to the Intermediate
Configuration if the skin temperature is above this threshold
(above average, hot in-flight temperature).
Closed Circuit Diagram
This Closed-Circuit Configuration diagram shows that air is
circulated; with the Skin Air Inlet, Skin Air Extract, and Air
Conditioning Inlet valves closed.
The air from the Avionics Bay is pulled by the Blower Fan from the
Skin Exch Outlet Bypass Valve through the Avionics Equipment,
and then the Extract Fan pulls this air (along with cockpit
conditioned air) into two areas.

Skin Exchanger Valves

Notice that the Skin Exchanger Inlet Bypass Valve and Skin
Exchanger Isolation Valve are both open in this configuration.
The air from the Extract Fan is recirculated through the Skin Heat
Exchanger for improved cooling and some of the air from the
Extract Fan is delivered to the under floor cargo area for
ventilation.

Intermediate Configuration
The Intermediate Configuration provides ventilation when the
aircraft is on the ground (with takeoff power) or during in-flight, if
the skin temperature is above the in-flight threshold.
The only difference between this and the Closed-Circuit
Configuration is that a smaller internal door flap opens on the Skin
Air Extract Valve to allow some of the air to flow overboard. This
completes the normal configurations of the Avionics Ventilation
system. Now we will describe the two abnormal configurations for
this system.

Blower FAULT
An abnormal configuration that is very similar to the Closed-Circuit
Configuration operates if the Blower Fan or Extract Fan is shut
down.
This configuration will be set by the crew as a result of an ECAM
Procedure.
With only the Blower pb in OVRD, the Blower Fan stops and the Air
Conditioning Inlet valve opens to supply cooling air.
Extract FAULT
With only the Extract pb in OVRD, both fans continue to run and the
Skin Exchanger Inlet Bypass valve closes to force all recirculating
air over the Skin Heat Exchanger.

Smoke Detected in Avionics Air

Another abnormal configuration is set when smoke is detected in
the Avionics Ventilation Air.
The detection of smoke will cause both the Blower Fault and
Extract Fault warning to occur.

Smoke Configuration
The Smoke configuration is set by the crew as a result of selecting
both BLOWER and EXTRACT pbs to OVRD. The Blower Fan stops,
but the Extract Fan continues to operate.
All valves close except the Air Conditioning Inlet Valve and a
smaller door flap opens on the Skin Air Extract Valve. This
configuration purges smoke from the system by using conditioned
air to blow through the avionics equipment and then overboard
through the smaller internal door flap on the Skin Air Extract Valve.

AEVC Failure
Finally, a variation of the smoke configuration is set if the Avionics
Equipment Ventilation Computer fails.
However, the Skin Exchange Isolation valve remains open, the Inlet
Valve and Skin Exchange Inlet Bypass Valve remain in their last
position, and the Extract Fan continues to operate.