Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

12.19.1 Introduction
The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) replaces the standard composite tailcone with a titanium tailcone
and firewall. The APU is accessed by two clamshell type doors on the bottom of the tail cone. It
consists of a gas turbine engine driving a DC starter-generator. The APU supplies bleed air for
the Environmental Control System (ECS), and 28 VDC to the electrical system. The APU cannot
be operated in flight.

12.19.2 General
The start control, normal operation, and malfunction monitoring of the APU is automatically per-
formed by the APU FADEC. The APU starter-generator can be powered from either the
aeroplane main battery or external power. Intake air is drawn through a screened inlet duct on
the right rear of the fuselage. Exhaust gases flow through an exhaust ejector and are discharged
through an upwards pointing outlet at the aft end of the titanium tailcone. The APU is protected
by its own automatic fire detection and extinguishing system that continuously monitors the APU
and its compartment whenever electrical power is supplied to the system. The APU control panel
is mounted on the overhead console in the flight deck.
APU Louvered Inlet Cover
A louvered cover is provided for the APU Air Inlet to help prevent snow and sleet from entering
the APU Inlet when the aeroplane is on a long turnaround or remaining overnight.

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 Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

12.19.3 Controls and Indications - Auxiliary Power Unit

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 Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

1 2 3 4 5

APU CONTROL

PWR START GEN BL AIR

RUN STARTER ON OPEN

FAIL WARN GEN OHT

Figure 12.19-1 APU Control Panel

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 Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

APU CONTROL PANEL CALLOUTS

1. PWR SWITCHLIGHT (alternate action)
PUSH - arms APU start circuits and opens the APU fuel valve, APU FUEL VALVE OPEN
light (green) shown on the APU fire protection panel
- only arms if aeroplane on ground, no fire detected, and EXTG switch not selected
RUN segment (green)
- APU is at operating speed after the START switchlight is pushed
PUSH - RUN segment (out)
- closes APU fuel valve, APU FUEL VALVE CLOSED light (white) shown on the APU fire
protection panel, and the APU stops
FAIL - a failure is detected and the APU automatically stops
2. START SWITCHLIGHT (alternate action)
PUSH - STARTER segment (amber)
- starts automatic APU start sequence
STARTER segment (out)
- APU start sequence complete or stopped
3. GEN SWITCHLIGHT (alternate action)
PUSH - ON segment (green)
- APU starter-generator is supplying DC power
PUSH - ON segment (out)
- selects APU generator off line
WARN segment (amber)
- APU starter-generator off line with APU running
4. BL AIR SWITCHLIGHT (alternate action)
PUSH - OPEN segment (green)
- APU bleed air valve open
- APU bleed air supplies air to the ECS if engine bleed air is off
PUSH - OPEN segment (out)
- APU bleed air valve is closed
- selects APU bleed air off
5. GEN OHT ADVISORY LIGHT
GEN OHT segment (amber)
APU starter-generator overheat condition
APU automatically shuts down

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 1 7

2
VALVES VALVES BAGGAGE
APU EXTG FUEL FUEL EXTG AFT
AFT BTL AFT BTL SMOKE
FUEL VALVE BTL
VENT VALVE
INLT OTLT EXTG
3 OPEN CLOSED OPEN CLOSED

OPEN CLOSED ARM BTL

Figure 12.19-2 APU Fire Protection Panel (1 of 2)

FWD BTL LOW FWD BTL 1

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CLOSED
4 HYD HYD TEST
2
FAULT FAULT FAULT FAULT
A B A B FIRE BOTTLE
EXTG FIRE
AFT ARM LOW AFT
Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

5 FWD ARM LOW FWD

FIRE ENGINE 1 ENGINE 2
TEST
TEST
BTL LOW DETECTION BAGGAGE
FAULT PULL FUEL/HYD OFF PULL FUEL/HYD OFF FWD SMOKE

TEST EXTG

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 Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

APU FIRE PROTECTION PANEL CALLOUTS

1. FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVE CLOSED ADVISORY LIGHT (white)
- APU fuel shut-off valve closed
- APU shutdown, manually or automatically
2. FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVE OPEN ADVISORY LIGHT (green)
- APU fuel shut-off valve open
- PWR switchlight pushed
- APU circuits armed for starting or fire test
3. FIRE ADVISORY LIGHT (red)
- APU fire detected
- after 7 seconds extiguishing agent automatically releases, and amber BTL ARM light
goes out
4. EXTG SWITCHLIGHT (guarded, alternate action)
EXTG segment (white)
- APU fire extinguisher bottle can be activated manually if BTL ARM light is on
PUSH - EXTG segment (out)
- APU fire bottle cannot be activated, or has been set off
5. BOTTLE LOW LIGHT (amber)
- fire extinguisher bottle is low or empty
6. FAULT ADVISORY LIGHT (AMBER)
- fault in the APU fire extinguisher system
- fault in the APU FPP
7. BTL ARM ADVISORY LIGHT
(amber)
- APU fire extinguisher bottle ready to be activated
(OUT)
- APU fire extinguishing bottle cannot be activated
- no power to the system

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 VALVES VALVES BAGGAGE
APU EXTG FUEL FUEL EXTG AFT
AFT BTL AFT BTL SMOKE
FUEL VALVE BTL
VENT VALVE
INLT OTLT EXTG
OPEN CLOSED OPEN CLOSED

OPEN CLOSED ARM BTL

Figure 12.19-3 APU Fire Protection Panel (2 of 2)

FWD BTL LOW FWD BTL 1

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CLOSED
HYD HYD TEST
2
FAULT FAULT FAULT FAULT
A B A B FIRE BOTTLE
EXTG FIRE
AFT ARM LOW AFT
Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

FWD ARM LOW FWD

FIRE ENGINE 1 ENGINE 2
TEST
TEST
BTL LOW DETECTION BAGGAGE
FAULT PULL FUEL/HYD OFF PULL FUEL/HYD OFF FWD SMOKE

TEST EXTG

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 Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

APU FIRE PROTECTION PANEL CALLOUTS (cont’d)

8. FIRE TEST PUSHBUTTON (momentary action)
PUSH AND HOLD - check the following lights:
• MASTER WARNING light (red) flashes
• CHECK FIRE DET warning light (red) flashes
• FIRE segment (red)
• BTL ARM light (amber)
• FUEL VALVE OPEN (out)
• FUEL VALVE CLOSED (white)
• FAULT light (amber)
• EXTG segment (white)
RELEASE - check the FUEL VALVE OPEN (green) comes on

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 Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

1
2
ELECTRICAL
DC EXT AC EXT
3 POWER POWER
BATT APU GEN AC GEN 1
LOAD °C LOAD VOLT LOAD
MAIN +1. 00 +22 +1. 00 A 115 . 06
AUX - . 34 +22 B 115 . 06
STBY - . 34 +22 DC GEN C 115 . 06
1 LOAD 2
DC BUS +0. 00 . 00 AC GEN 1
L VOLT R VOLT LOAD
ESS 28.1 28.1 TRU A 115 . 06
MAIN 28.1 28.1 1 LOAD 2 B 115 . 06
SEC 28.1 28.1 +1. 00 +1. 00 C 115 . 06

0 5
SPOILERS
FLAP 10
RUD
DEG LO L1 R1
35 L R
ELEV ELEV
HYD PRESS PSI HYD QTY %
PK BRK STBY 1 2 3 1 2 3
3000 0 3000 3000 0 100 100 100

Figure 12.19-4 MFD Electrical Page with APU Generator Operating (1 of 2)

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 Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

MFD ELECTRICAL PAGE CALLOUTS

1. DIGITAL DISPLAY OF APU GENERATOR LOAD (white)
APU GEN (white)
LOAD (cyan)
- is activated only if the APU is installed depending on the aeroplane configuration
- the load demand on the APU generator is displayed in the following format:
• “+” sign is displayed on the left of the lead digit to indicate an overload of the DC
power source
• nothing is displayed when the load is in the expected range
• leading zero is suppressed in the lead digit position
• digital number gives the rate of the load, with 1.00 equal to 100% of load
- examples:
• “.60” indicates that the DC generator or TRU is loaded at 60% of the maximum out-
put.
• “+1.30” indicates an overload of the DC generator or TRU
2. BATTERY LOAD AND TEMPERATURE ANNUNCIATION AREA
BATT (white)
LOAD, °C (cyan)
MAIN, AUX, STBY (white)
3. DIGITAL DISPLAY OF BATTERY LOAD (white)
- displays the load of the battery
- + or - sign on the left of the lead digit, whether the battery is in overcharge (“+” displayed)
or in discharge (“-” displayed)
- nothing is displayed when the battery is in charge within the expected range
- leading zero is suppressed in the lead digit position
- digital number gives the rate of the load, with 1.00 equal to 100% of load
- examples:
• “.60” indicates that the battery is in charge at 60% of its maximum rate of charge
• “-1.30” indicates that the battery is discharging at 30% over the maximum rate of
discharge

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 Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

ELECTRICAL

BATT APU GEN AC GEN 1

LOAD °C LOAD VOLT LOAD
MAIN . 06 +22 . 64 A 0 . 00
AUX . 04 +19 B 0 . 00
STBY . 03 +20 DC GEN C 0 . 00
1 LOAD 2
DC BUS .00 . 00 AC GEN 2
4 L VOLT R VOLT LOAD
5 ESS 27.2 27.2 TRU A 0 . 00
MAIN 28.0 28.0 1 LOAD 2 B 0 . 00
SEC 28.0 28.0 . 00 . 00 C 0 . 00

0 5
SPOILERS
FLAP 10
RUD
DEG LO LI RI RO
35 L R
ELEV ELEV
HYD PRESS PSI HYD QTY %
PK BRK STBY 1 2 3 1 2 3
3000 0 3000 3000 0 100 100 100

Figure 12.19-5 MFD Electrical Page with APU Generator Operating (2 of 2)

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 Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

MFD ELECTRICAL PAGE CALLOUTS (cont’d)

4. DIGITAL DISPLAY OF BATTERY TEMPERATURE
- battery temperature digits are displayed in white with a + or - sign on the left of the lead
digit, when the temperature is within normal limits
- when the temperature is in the range (+50°C to +65°C) the digits turn yellow
- when the temperature exceeds 65°C the digits are displayed in red
5. DC bus voltage annunciation area
DC BUS (white)
L, R (white)
VOLT (cyan)
6. DIGITAL DISPLAY OF DC BUS VOLTAGE (white)
- indicates the voltage on the associated bus

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 Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

ENGINE
CL
AIRCRAFT

DRY
BAY

INLET
STRAINER

APU SHUT-OFF
COLLECTOR VALVE
BAY

APU FEED
ENGINE FEED LINE LNE

Figure 12.19-6 APU Fuel Schematic

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 Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

12.19.4 Auxiliary Power Unit - Description

12.19.4.1 APU Fuel System

APU fuel is supplied from the left wing collector bay through an APU shutoff valve. A rigid fuel
line is routed from the shutoff valve to the APU/tailcone firewall (Figure 12.19-6), outside the
pressurized part of the fuselage. A gravity-fed, APU-driven fuel pump keeps positive fuel pres-
sure to the APU engine.
The APU shutoff valve opens when the APU PWR switchlight is pushed and closes when the
APU is shut down. The position of the shutoff valve is shown on the APU Fire Protection Panel
(FPP). Fuel is automatically scheduled for starting, acceleration, and speed regulation.
The APU shutoff valve will close if:
• PWR switchlight is pushed off
• Fire is detected in the tailcone
• EXTG switchlight is pushed
• Aeroplane is in flight

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 LEFT ESSENTIAL RIGHT ESSENTIAL
OFF

OFF
BATTERY
STBY BATTERY AUX EXT MAIN MASTER
PWR OFF
BATT BUS BATT BATT
MAIN BUS
TIE OFF
L MAIN R MAIN
STBY AUX FEEDER FEEDER MAIN

GCU GCU GEN

EPCU

Figure 12.19-7 Starter-Generator Schematic

#1 DC #2 DC ON
GEN GEN
OFF OFF WARN

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L SEC R SEC
#1 DC FEEDER FEEDER #2 DC
GEN GEN GCU
APU
Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

L TRU R TRU DC GEN

GALLEY L VARIABLE R VARIABLE GALLEY

BUS AC BUS AC BUS BUS

OFF OFF

#1 AC #1 AC #2 AC #2 AC
GEN GEN GEN GEN
GCU GCU
 Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

12.19.4.2 Starter-Generator
The APU has a gearbox mounted 28 VDC starter-generator (Figure 12.19-7). An APU start
requires either aeroplane batteries or external power. When the APU starts, the starter stays
engaged until the APU reaches half its operating speed. When the APU is operating, the RUN
segment comes on to show that, the generator mode is available to supply 28 VDC. The WARN
segment of the GEN switchlight comes on when the generator is off-line.
The APU electrical load and voltage can be monitored on the ELECTRICAL page of the MFD.
After the aeroplane main engine DC starter-generators are on line, the APU generator will con-
tinue to supply power in parallel to the DC buses. The APU system will automatically prevent
APU generator output if external AC or DC power is applied to the aeroplane.
The starter-generator is cooled by air which enters through a metal mask screen at the bottom
forward section of the tailcone and exits through the tailcone right side door (Figure 12.19-8). If
the starter-generator overheats, the APU will automatically shut down, shown by the GEN HOT
advisory light.
If a starter-generator fault is detected, the:
• Starter-generator is removed from the right main feeder bus
• ON segment of the GEN switchlight goes out
• WARN segment of the GEN switchlight goes amber

The APU utilizes 2x40 Ahr NiCad batteries for starting when external DC power is not available.
The characteristics of the Starter are such that the initial current draw is not highly dependent on
the load being driven, but more a function of the Starter itself, and the state of charge of the bat-
teries.Due to the high inrush currents during starting, there is a drop in voltage at the battery, and
hence the Main Buses. Technical data shows that for a “battery only start”, with a battery at
100% charge, bus voltage drops to about 20 VDC (value varies with temperature). For a battery
at 50% charge, the bus voltage drops to about 18 VDC (value varies with temperature). It is clear
that starting the APU using batteries with insufficient charge can lead to system problems which
jeopardize successful start.

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 Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

1 8

7
2
3 6

4 4
5 5
9 10

LEGEND
1. Drain Mast. 7. Starter/Generator Exhaust
2. Drain Outlet Opening. Air Duct Opening.
3. Left APU Door. 8. Starter/Generator Exhaust
4. Strut Push-Release. Air Duct.
5. Telescopic Struts. 9. APU Ventilation Inlet.
6. Right APU Door. 10. APU Starter/Generator
Air Inlet.

Figure 12.19-8 APU Starter-Generator Air Inlet and Exhaust

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 Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

12.19.4.3 APU Compartment Ventilation

APU compartment ventilation is established by the APU exhaust air ejector system.
Ventilation air enters the compartment through a screened inlet near the bottom forward end of
the tailcone. Air is directed by a composite duct to the area in front of the oil sump to assist oil
cooling. Air then flows around the APU before being mixed with the exhaust ejector flow.

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 WING DUCT WING DUCT
CHECK VALVE CHECK VALVE
FROM FROM
ENGINE #1 ENGINE #2

Figure 12.19-9 APU Bleed Air System Schematic

APU BLEED TO ENVIRONMENTAL

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MANIFOLD CONTROL SYSTEM
APU BLEED APU CHECK
VALVE VALVE
Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

FIREWALL
TO AFT SAFETY VALVE
(CABIN PRESSURE
CONTROL SYTEM)
 Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

12.19.5 APU Bleed-Air System

When the APU is operating, the APU bleed air valve can be opened by pushing the BL AIR
switchlight on the APU control panel. APU bleed air supplies bleed air for the ECS, and holds the
Cabin Pressure Control System (CPCS) aft safety valve open (Figure 12.19-9). When the valve
is not closed, the OPEN segment (green) of the BL AIR switchlight will come on. The bleed air
supply is reduced if the APU exhaust temperature reaches an established temperature limit. This
gives APU generator load priority over bleed air.
An APU check valve and wing duct check valves prevent APU bleed air from entering the engine
bleed air supply, including airframe de-icing. If either main engine BLEED air toggle switch is set
to 1 or 2, the APU BL AIR switchlight is automatically de-energized. This ensures that bleed air is
not supplied from the engines and APU at the same time.

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 Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

APU
APD
SENSOR

CONTROL
AMPLIFIER

SQUIB

PRESSURE APU
SWITCH FIRE
BTL

FIRE MASTER
PROTECTION WARNING/
PANEL CAUTION PANEL

Figure 12.19-10 APU Fire Detection Schematic

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 Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

12.19.6 APU Fire Protection

The APU has a fully automatic fire detection and extinguishing system (Figure 12.19-10). The
system monitors the APU hot section and exhaust whenever the right essential 28 VDC bus is
energized. The system is operated from the Fire Protection Panel (FPP) on the overhead con-
sole.
The system includes a:
• stainless steel fire extinguisher bottle and distribution tubing
• loop sensor routed along the tailcone above the APU
• control circuit
When a fire or overheat condition is sensed by the detection loop, the:
• FIRE light (red), on the FPP illuminates
• MASTER WARNING light flashes (red)
• CHECK FIRE DET warning light flashes (red)
• BTL ARM advisory light (amber); then (out) if the bottle has discharged
• APU FUEL VALVE CLOSED advisory light (white) illuminates
• APU FUEL VALVE OPEN advisory light (out) extinguishes
• EXTG segment of EXTG switchlight (white) illuminates
• MASTER CAUTION light flashes (amber)
• APU caution light (amber) illuminates

12.19.7 APU Fire Extinguishing

If a fire is detected, the APU automatically shuts down and the fire extinguishing agent is
released after 7 seconds. If automatic fire extinguisher discharge fails, the BTL ARM light stays
on. The guarded EXTG switchlight can be pushed to discharge the fire extinguishing agent, if the
BTL ARM is on.
NOTE: Once the bottle has been discharged, restarting the APU is prevented until the bottle
has been replaced.

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 Dash8 - Q400 - Pneumatics

12.19.8 APU Faults

The APU system can detect a fault, isolate the APU and supply protection. The system will pro-
tect and shut down the APU.
The APU system monitors:
• Overspeed
• Underspeed
• Start Failure
• Accelerate Failure
• EGT overtemperature
• Low Oil pressure
• High Oil temperature
• Failed Sensors
• Failed Valves, relays, circuits
• Internal failure
If an APU fault is detected, the:
• APU automatically shuts down
• FAIL segment of the APU PWR switchlight (amber)
• APU FUEL VALVE CLOSED advisory light (white)
• APU FUEL VALVE OPEN advisory light (out)
• APU caution light (amber)
The APU PWR switchlight must be reselected after an automatic shutdown or failure to start.

12.19.9 APU Shutdown

Before shutting down the APU, close the bleed air valve and select the GEN off. Normal APU
shut down is then accomplished by pushing the PWR switchlight.

12.19.10 Limitations
Item 1 (Ref. Para 12.19.4.3)
With composite cooling duct removed, ambient temperature limitation applies: 30°C or ISA
+25°C, whichever is lower.
Item 2
For APU operation with the Air Inlet Louvre installed, ambient temperature Limitation of 21°C
applies.

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