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B Ng-Apu PDF
B Ng-Apu PDF
B737 NG
APU
Boeing B737 NG - Systems Summary [APU]
Introduction
The auxiliary power unit (APU) is a self–contained gas turbine engine installed
within a fireproof compartment located in the tail of the airplane.
The APU supplies bleed air for engine starting or air conditioning. An AC
electrical generator on the APU provides an auxiliary AC power source.
APU Location
COOLING AIR
INLET
APU DUCT
EXHAUST
OUTLET AIR DIFFUSER
DUCT
VORTEX
GENERATOR
EXHAUST
MUFFLER
APU FUEL
LINE
APU BLEED
AIR DUCT
AIR INLET DOOR
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Boeing B737 NG - Systems Summary [APU]
APU Operation
The APU starts and operates up to the airplane maximum certified altitude.
The APU supplies bleed air for both air conditioning packs on the ground or one
pack in flight. Both transfer busses can be powered on the ground or in flight.
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Boeing B737 NG - Systems Summary [APU]
APU Start
The automatic start sequence begins by moving the APU switch momentarily to
START. This initiates opening of the air inlet door. When the APU inlet door
reaches the full open position the start sequence begins. After the APU reaches the
proper speed, ignition and fuel are provided. When the APU is ready to accept a
bleed air or electrical load the APU GEN OFF BUS light illuminates.
Note: When the APU is started using battery power only, there is no indication
on the electrical metering panel that the APU generator has come on line
and is ready to be selected. Both the frequency and voltage readings are
zero until the APU generator is placed on line.
Note: During the APU start cycle, the APU EGT indication may fluctuate from
0º to 1100º C prior to normal EGT rise and the LOW OIL PRESSURE light
may cycle on and off several times. These indications have no adverse
effect on starting the APU. It is not necessary to monitor EGT during start.
If the APU does not reach the proper speed with the proper acceleration rate within
the time limit of the starter, the start cycle automatically terminates. The start cycle
may take as long as 120 seconds. Automatic shutdown occurs in the event of EGT
exceedance.
If the start fails or the APU GEN OFF BUS light fails to illuminate by the end of
the start cycle, a system failure has occurred and the FAULT light illuminates.
Operate the APU for one full minute before using it as a bleed air source. This one
minute stabilization is recommended to extend the service life of the APU.
APU Shutdown
Operate the APU for one full minute with no bleed air load prior to shutdown. This
cooling period is recommended to extend the service life of the APU. When the
APU switch is moved to OFF, this time delay is met automatically.
Moving the APU switch to OFF trips the APU generator, closes the APU bleed air
valve and extinguishes the APU GEN OFF BUS light. Shutdown occurs
automatically after 60 seconds. When the APU speed decreases sufficiently
during shutdown, the fuel valve and inlet door close. If the fuel valve does not
close, the FAULT light will illuminate after approximately 30 seconds. An
immediate shutdown can be accomplished by pulling the APU fire switch.
Page 3
Boeing B737 NG - Systems Summary [APU]
The ECU automatically controls APU speed through the electronic fuel control. If
speed or EGT exceed acceptable levels with the APU providing electrical load
only, some electrical load is shed. When electrical load and air extraction raise the
EGT above acceptable levels during engine starting, electrical load shedding
occurs prior to reducing bleed air. When electrical load and air extraction raise the
EGT above acceptable levels other than during engine starting, the inlet guide
vanes move toward a closed position, reducing bleed air extraction while
maintaining electrical load.
Page 4
Boeing B737 NG - Systems Summary [APU]
APU
LOW OIL OVER
MAINT FAULT
PRESSURE SPEED
10
8 EGT
6
0
4 2
APU
OFF
ON
START
Page 5
Boeing B737 NG - Systems Summary [APU]
APU Switch
OFF – normal position when APU is not running
• positioning switch to OFF with APU running trips APU generator off the
bus(es), if connected, and closes APU bleed air valve. APU continues to
run for a 60 second cooling period
• APU air inlet door automatically closes after shutdown.
ON – normal position when APU is running.
START (momentary) – positioning APU switch from OFF to START and
releasing it to ON, initiates an automatic start sequence.
Page 6
Boeing B737 NG - Systems Summary [APU]
APU Limitations
[Option - Typical JAA]
APU bleed + electrical load: max alt 10,000 ft.
[Option - Typical FAA]
Inflight - APU bleed + electrical load: max alt 10,000 ft.
[Option - Typical FAA]
Ground only - APU bleed + electrical load: max alt 15,000 ft.
APU bleed: max alt 17,000 ft.
APU electrical load: max alt 41,000 ft.
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