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TABLE OF CONTENT
LEGAL CAUTION ..........................................................................................................................................................2
AIR CONDITIONING ....................................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................2
FLOW CONTROL AND PACK COMPONENTS .............................................................................................................3
PACK FLOW CONTROL VALVE .........................................................................................................................................3
COOLING PACKS ...............................................................................................................................................................3
HEAT EXCHANGER ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
AIR CYCLE MACHINE .................................................................................................................................................. 4
WATER EXTRACTION .................................................................................................................................................... 4
PACK SENSORS ............................................................................................................................................................ 4
RAM AIR SYSTEM .......................................................................................................................................................... 4
BYPASS VALVE ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
PACK CONTROLLER .................................................................................................................................................... 5
DISTRIBUTION ...............................................................................................................................................................6
ZONE TEMPERATURE CONTROL ...................................................................................................................................6
HOT AIR PRESSURE REGULATING VALVE .........................................................................................................................6
TRIM AIR VALVE ...................................................................................................................................................................7
ZONE TEMPERATURE SENSORS ..........................................................................................................................................7
ZONE TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER ..................................................................................................................................7
LAVATORY AND GALLEY VENTILATION ...........................................................................................................................8
EMERGENCY RAM AIR INLET .......................................................................................................................................8
SYSTEM CONTROLS AND INDICATING .......................................................................................................................8
SYSTEM CONTROLS ............................................................................................................................................................8
ECAM PAGE PRESENTATIONS .........................................................................................................................................10

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LEGAL CAUTION
The material contained in this training program is based on the information obtained from
current national, international and company regulations and it is to be used for training
purposes only. At the time of designing this program contained then current information.
In the event of conflict between data provided herein and that in publications issued by
the authority, the authority shall take precedence.2
AIR CONDITIONING
This chapter covers the aircraft air conditioning system and provides an overview of its
organization, operation, controls and indications. Here is the chapter outline:
 Introduction
 Flow control and pack components
 Distribution
 Zone temperature control
 System controls and indicating
3
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the air conditioning system is to supply fresh air at the correct temperature
and pressure to the cockpit and cabin and to provide ventilation. The conditioned air is
also used, with additional components, for the pressurization of the aircraft which will be
discussed later.
4
A320 uses the pack system for air conditioning. The system consists of mainly five
segments: supply, cooling, temperature regulation, distribution, and controls and
indicating.
5
The air conditioning system receives air supply from the pneumatic system via two pack
flow control valves.
6
The cooling segment contains two cooling packs which are identified as PACK 1 and
PACK 2 depending on the pneumatic manifold to which they are connected. Each pack
flow control valve feeds its respective pack with hot air. The pack cools the hot
pneumatic air to a basic temperature.
7
Cooled air from the packs is sent to mixing unit which mixes cold air from the packs with
recirculating cabin air to regulate the air temperature. The mixing unit can also receive
conditioned air from a low pressure ground connection and fresh outside air from an
emergency ram air inlet.
8
The hot air pressure regulating valve and trim valves enable fine adjustment of
temperature of the air that leaves the mixing unit by a certain amount of hot air that
comes from the upstream of packs before distribution. This hot air is also called trim air.
9

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The temperature regulation is automatic and controlled by the corresponding pack

controller which in turn is controlled by the zone controller. Each pack controller regulates
the temperature of cold air provided by its associated pack in accordance with the
demand from the zone controller. Zone controller optimizes the temperature regulation
by adjusting the amount of trim air to obtain the selected temperature in the related
zone.
10
The distribution ducts distribute the conditioned air throughout the cockpit and cabin,
which also provides pressurization regulated by an outflow valve.
11
The controls and indicators let the flight crew manage the operation of air conditioning
system. Let’s take a look at main components of the system in more detail.
12
FLOW CONTROL AND PACK COMPONENTS
PACK FLOW CONTROL VALVE
Pack flow control valves are installed at the front of the air conditioning system. The valve
is electrically controlled and pressure operated. It is controlled from the AIR
CONDITIONING control panel.
13
Primary function of the pack flow control valve is to regulate the inlet airflow to its
respective pack, thus to determine the amount of air going to the cabin. The valve is
spring loaded closed when the air pressure is not available.
14
The valve also has an automatic shut-off function and closes automatically in the event
of pack overheating, engine starting, or operation of the fire or ditching switch.
15
COOLING PACKS
The aircraft incorporates two identical cooling packs that operate automatically and
independently from each other to provide conditioned air and pressurization for the
cockpit and passenger cabin. One pack can supply a sufficient quantity of conditioned
air and pressure for all operations.
16
Each cooling pack consists of: heat exchangers, air-cycle machine; ram air system by-
pass valve, sensors and water separator system each pack also has a pack controller
which controls pack operation.
17
HEAT EXCHANGER
There are two heat exchangers used to improve the cooling effect: a primary heat
exchanger and a main heat exchanger which are installed together so they appear to
be one component. Heat exchangers are located in ram air duct and use ram air flow
to decrease the temperature of the hot air.
18

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AIR CYCLE MACHINE

The air cycle machine is the main unit which cools the hot pneumatic air. It consists of a
compressor, an expansion turbine and a cooling fan. They are connected on the same
shaft and turbine drives the compressor and the cooling air fan.
19
The operation sequence of the air cycle machine and heat exchanger system is as
follows. The hot pneumatic air from the pack valve flows to the primary heat exchanger
where it is cooled. The air then goes to the compressor. The air is compressed in the
compressor, so both its temperature and pressure increase. The air then flows to the main
heat exchanger where its temperature decreases, but the pressure stays the same. Now,
the air goes to the turbine. As the air expands in the turbine, both its temperature and
pressure decrease, and the power to drive the compressor and cooling fan is generated.
At the exit of turbine the air temperature is below 0°C.
20
WATER EXTRACTION
During the cooling process, water in the air should be removed. This is required to prevent
water particles from freezing in the lines and valves due to very low temperature and to
avoid passenger discomfort and corrosion. Therefore, a water separator system fitted in
cooling pack removes water particles from the air before it enters the turbine section.
21
PACK SENSORS
Each pack incorporates a compressor temperature sensor and a pack outlet
temperature sensor.
22
The compressor temperature sensor fitted in the compressor outlet is used for pack
temperature control functions and pack overheat detection. It also provides an
indication for ECAM.
23
The pack outlet temperature sensor also provides indication for ECAM display. It detects
pack overheat if the Air Cycle Machine fails or when the pack is off and a trim air check
valve fails.
24
RAM AIR SYSTEM
Temperature in the cooling pack is adjusted by two mechanisms: ram air flow through
the heat exchangers and the by-pass valve.
25
The ram air system in each pack incorporates ram air duct and adjustable ram air inlet
and exit doors. The position of inlet door affects the cooling effect of the heat
exchangers and determines the pack outlet temperature.
26
As the ram air inlet door opens more, then a greater amount of cooling air passes through
the heat exchangers and the pack supplies cooler air. When the door is closed more,
the pack cooling effect is reduced.

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During take-off and landing, the ram air inlet door is fully closed to prevent ingestion of
foreign objects.
31
The cooling air fan driven by the turbine is fitted to ram air system. The function of the fan
is to supply heat exchangers with cooling air during slow flights and ground operation,
where there is a little or no ram effect.
32
BYPASS VALVE
The bypass valve provides another means to modulate the pack discharge temperature
by adding hot air. If the turbine outlet temperature is too low, the bypass valve opens
more. If the turbine outlet temperature is too high, the valve closes more.
33
The bypass valve also lets the pack operate in the heat exchanger cooling mode when
the air cycle machine fails. In the event of air cycle machine failure, the bypass valve
opens and the main part of cooled air leaving the primary heat exchanger goes directly
downstream of turbine through the bypass valve.
34
PACK CONTROLLER
Each pack has its own pack controller with dual channel. When the primary channel fails,
the other channel automatically takes over.
35
In the event of the loss of both pack controllers, PACK 1 + 2 FAULT caution message
appears on the ECAM and a single chime sounds. Master caution light comes on. In
addition, amber FAULT lights illuminates on the pack switch.
36
Pack controllers are located in electric/electronic compartment. Each pack controller
regulates its associated pack outlet temperature by simultaneously controlling ram air
inlet door and the bypass valve position. The pack controller also regulates the airflow
through the pack by modulating the position of the associated pack flow control valve
and sends the position signal to ECAM for indication. Pack controllers regulate the pack
temperature and pack flow in accordance with control demands from the zone
controller.
37
The pack controller also receives signals from the respective compressor temperature
sensor to activate a warning if an overheat condition is detected. When a pack
compressor outlet temperature is above 260 °C, the PACK OVEHEAT caution message
with affected pack number appears on the ECAM. A single chime sounds and the
Master Caution light comes on. In addition, amber FAULT light illuminates on the
respective pack switch.
38
Failure of the by-pass valve or the ram air inlet, or the compressor outlet temperature
sensor or the pack flow control valve causes PACK 1 or 2 REGULATION FAULT caution
message with affected system number to appear on the ECAM.

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39
DISTRIBUTION
The conditioned air is distributed to three main zones in the aircraft: Cockpit, forward
cabin and aft cabin. This is achieved by the mixing unit.
40
Cold air from the packs goes into mixing unit before it is distributed to the aircraft zones.
Recirculating fans collect the cabin air from the underfloor area, clean the air with their
filters and send it back to the mixing unit. This reduces the bleed load on the engines and
saves fuel.
41
When both left and right cabin recirculating fans fail, the LEFT + RIGHT CABIN FAN FAULT
caution message appears on the ECAM.
42
ZONE TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Each aircraft zone has different cooling and heating requirements, however the mixing
unit could supply conditioned air at the same temperature to all zones. Therefore, there
is a need for temperature regulation system to compensate different cooling or heating
effects on the zones. This is achieved by zone control system.
43
Zone temperatures are regulated via hot air pressure regulating valve and the trim air
valves.
44
HOT AIR PRESSURE REGULATING VALVE
The hot air pressure regulating valve is electrically controlled and pressure operated. The
function of the valve is to regulate the pressure of the air supplied to the trim air valves.
45
When it is energized, the valve is opened by pneumatic air pressure. When the valve is
de-energized, a spring closes the valve. The crew can de-energize the valve to close
from the AIR COND panel. The valve also closes in the absence of pneumatic air pressure.
46
The valve also has a safety function and closes automatically to isolate the trim air system
in the event of duct overheating, or failure of the cockpit trim air valve or failure of both
cabin trim air valves.
47
If the hot air pressure regulating valve has failed to open, it does not affect the operation
of the system.
48
If the valve has failed to closed, optimized temperature regulation is not available. Trim
air valves fully close. Pack 1 regulates the cockpit temperature to the selected value
and pack 2 regulates the forward and aft cabin temperature to the mean value of the
selected temperatures.
49

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TRIM AIR VALVE

Each zone has an electrically operated trim air valve. Each trim air valve controls the
amount of hot air mixed with cold supply to regulate its associated zone temperature.
When the hot air pressure regulating valve closes for any reason, the trim air valves also
close. If any trim air valve fails, optimized temperature regulation of the associated zone
is lost.
50
In the event of failure of any trim air valve or if overpressure is detected downstream hot
air pressure regulating valve, the TRIM AIR SYSTEM FAULT caution message appears on
the ECAM.
51
ZONE TEMPERATURE SENSORS
The zone control system also incorporates zone temperature sensors and duct
temperature sensors.
52
There are three zone temperature sensors, one installed in the cockpit, forward cabin
and aft cabin zones. Each zone sensor measures corresponding zone temperature for
the zone temperature control and indication on ECAM display.
53.
Each duct temperature sensor measures associated duct temperature. The sensor
provides temperature data for the corresponding zone temperature control, indication
and overheat detection to the zone controller.
54
ZONE TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER
Temperature in each zone is controlled by the zone controller. The zone controller with
redundant channel automatically optimizes the temperature regulation by means of trim
air valves to obtain the selected ambient temperature in the related zone.
55
The zone controller receives zone temperature demands from the selectors on the air
conditioning panel, which allow to select a zone temperature between 18°C (64 °F) and
30°C (86 °F). The selected temperatures can be fine-tuned through the Forward
Attendant Panel for the forward and aft cabin zones. The controller compares selected
zone temperature with the actual zone temperature measured by the zone temperature
sensors.
56
From all zone temperature demands the controller selects the coolest demand and
calculates the required pack outlet temperature to obtain the coolest demand. Then it
sends a signal to the pack controllers to achieve the required outlet temperature of both
packs.
57
The zone controller also receives temperature signals from each duct temperature
sensor. This provides the zone controller with temperature feedback so that it modulates
the trim air valves as required.

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58
When a duct temperature exceeds 88 °C or goes above 80 °C four times during one
flight, zone controller makes the CKPT, FORWARD CABIN OR AFT CABIN DUCT OVERHEAT
caution message appear on the ECAM. A single chime sounds and master caution light
illuminates. It also automatically closes the hot air pressure regulating valve and closes
trim air valves.
59
LAVATORY AND GALLEY VENTILATION
The lavatories and galleys are ventilated with the air coming from the cabin zones. The
ventilation air is extracted by a fan which exhausts it near the outflow valve.
60
In the event of failure of the fan, the LAVATORY + GALLEY FAN FAULT caution message
appears on the ECAM.
61
EMERGENCY RAM AIR INLET
The aircraft is equipped with one emergency ram air inlet located at the lower left-hand
side of the fuselage. In case of failure of both packs, the emergency ram air inlet supplies
ambient air to ventilate the cockpit and cabin or to remove smoke.
62
The emergency ram air inlet flap is controlled by the RAM AIR pushbutton on the AIR
CONDITIONING panel. When the RAM AIR pushbutton is set to ON, and if DITCHING
pushbutton switch is in normal position, the emergency ram air inlet flap opens.
63
With the RAM AIR pushbutton ON, the pressure controller half opens the outflow valve,
provided that the cabin to ambient air differential pressure, delta psi is less than 1 psi and
the cabin pressurization MODE SELECTOR switch is selected AUTO.
64
The air then goes through a check valve to the mixing unit. If differential pressure is
greater than 1 psi, the check valve will not open, even if the emergency ram air door has
been selected open. No airflow will then be supplied.
65
SYSTEM CONTROLS AND INDICATING
Air conditioning panel is located on the overhead panel.
66
SYSTEM CONTROLS
On the panel you find two pack pushbutton switches; one for Pack 1 and the other for
Pack 2. The pack switches let you activate or de-activate the pack flow control valves.
67
When either pack switch is pressed in to select on, all lights extinguish on the respective
switch. With the switch selected on, the corresponding pack flow control valve is
automatically controlled by its respective pack controller to regulate the pack inlet flow.
When a pack switch is set to off, white OFF light illuminates on the switch and the
respective pack flow control valve is maintained closed electrically.
68

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When either pack switch is at OFF with no failure, the PACK OFF caution message with
affected system number appears on the ECAM. A single chime sounds and master
caution light illuminates.
69
As we have seen earlier, the pack flow control valve automatically closes when any of
the following occurs: lack of air pressure, compressor discharge overheating, same side
engine start, opposite side engine start if the cross-bleed valve is open, corresponding
engine fire switch is released out and ditching switch is selected ON. The pack control
valve reopens 30 seconds after the end of any engine start sequence.
70
When the pack control valve fails to achieve the selected position, the amber FAULT light
illuminates on the respective switch. The PACK FAULT caution message with affected
system number appears on the ECAM. A single chime sounds and master caution light
illuminates.
71
As you remember the FAULT light on the pack switch also illuminates in the event of
compressor outlet overheat or pack outlet overheat.
72
The PACK FLOW SELECTOR lets you adjust the pack flow according to the number of
passengers and ambient conditions.
73
The selector has three positions. You usually select NORMAL position if the number of
passengers is 115 or more. Low position is normally selected if number of passengers is
below 115. When abnormally hot and humid conditions exist, HIGH position is selected.
74
Note that when LOW flow is selected and cooling or heating demand cannot be
satisfied, the zone controller will automatically change the pack flow to NORMAL and if
necessary increases the engine power.
75
When bleed air is supplied from the APU or one air-conditioning pack fails, the zone
controller automatically provides HIGH flow regardless of pack flow selector’s position.
76
The COCKPIT, FORWARD CABIN, AFT CABIN temperature selectors enable the selection
of the desired ambient temperature in the corresponding zone. The 12 o'clock position
provides a zone temperature of 24 °C (76 °F). COLD position is for 18 °C (64 °F). You select
HOT position for a zone temperature of 30 °C (86 °F).
77
The HOT AIR switch lets you activate or deactivate hot air pressure regulating valve, and
in turn trim air valves.
78
When the HOT AIR switch is pushed ON, this is indicated when all lights are extinguished
on the switch. With the switch selected ON, the hot air Pressure Regulating Valve opens
and regulates hot air pressure above the cabin pressure to supply trim air valves.
79

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When the switch is set to off, white OFF light illuminates on the switch. The hot air pressure
regulating valve closes electrically. The Trim air valves also close.
80
When the duct temperature reaches 88ºC (190ºF), the FAULT light illuminates amber on
the switch along with an associated ECAM caution. The hot air pressure regulating valve
and trim air valves close automatically, stopping the hot trim air.
81
When a duct overheat is detected, you push the HOT air switch to stop the fault
condition. Since the ducts are only supplied from the packs and recirculating system,
they start to cool down. When the temperature drops below 70 °C (158 °F), the FAULT
light goes off. Now you push the HOT AIR switch to reactivate the system. The hot air
pressure regulating valve opens and trim air valves move to defined position.
82
The guarded RAM AIR pushbutton switch lets you operate the emergency ram air inlet
flap.
83
When the switch is set to on, a white ON light illuminates on the switch. If the DITCHING
pushbutton is in normal guarded position, the emergency ram air inlet flap opens.
84
With the RAM AIR switch set to on, if the cabin to ambient air differential pressure (delta
p) is less than 1 psi, and the cabin pressurization MODE SELECTOR switch is selected AUTO,
the outflow valve opens about 50 %. Emergency RAM airflow is supplied to the mixing
unit.
85
If the differential pressure (delta p) is greater than 1 psi, the outflow valve fully opens. No
emergency RAM air flows to the mixing unit.
86
When the RAM AIR switch is released out, the emergency ram air inlet flap closes.
87
CABIN FANS switch on the ventilation panel allows for control of cabin recirculation fans.
When the switch is off, white OFF displays on the switch and the two cabin fans are off.
When the switch is set to on, two cabin fans activate.
88
ECAM PAGE PRESENTATIONS
The air conditioning system can be monitored on the ECAM system display. You can view
the system information on the BLEED page, AIR CONDITIONING page, PRESSURIZATION
page and CRUISE page. Now let’s glance at each page to find out information
presented.
89
The BLEED page displays pack and emergency ram air information
90
The pack flow control valve indication is normally green. The symbol is green inline when
the valve is open. When the valve is fully closed, the symbol changes to green cross line

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when the valve is fully closed. Either indication becomes amber if the valve is not in
agreement with the demanded position.
91
The Pack Flow indication is normally displayed by a green pointer on a white scale from
low pack flow to high pack flow. For instance, when you select high pack flow, the
pointers move to high position. The indication may be up to 30 % lower than the actual
flow rate. It becomes amber, if the pack flow control valve is closed.
92
The pack compressor outlet temperature normally appears in green. It becomes amber,
if the temperature is above 260 °C.
93
The pack bypass valve position indication is given by a green pointer on a white scale.
C is for cold; that is, the valve is closed. H is for hot, which means the valve is open.
94
The pack outlet temperature indication normally appears in green. It changes from
green to amber if the temperature is above 90ºC.
95
The emergency ram air inlet flap position indication is a green cross line when the flap is
fully closed. When the flap is in transit, indication becomes amber. When the flap is fully
open in flight the indication changes from amber in-transit to green inline. If the flap is
fully open on the ground, you see amber symbol inline.
96
At the top of the display, you find user indication. It normally appears in green. It becomes
amber, in flight, when RAM AIR flap is not fully open, and both pack flow control valves
are closed.
97
AIR CONDITIONING page displays cockpit and cabin temperature control.
98
The hot air pressure regulating valve indication is green inline symbol when it is normally
open. It changes to green cross line when the valve is normally closed. If the valve opens
although it is not commanded to do so, you see an amber inline symbol on the display.
Similarly the indication becomes an amber cross line, if the valve closes abnormally.
99
The trim air valve position indication is given by a green pointer on a white scale. C is for
cold; that is, the valve is closed. H is for hot which means the valve is open.
100
Zone duct temperature is normally displays in green. It becomes amber if the duct
temperature is 80 °C (176 °F) or higher.
101
Zone temperature is indicated in green.
102
The cabin fan fault indication appears amber if a fault is detected. There is no indication
if there is no fault.
103

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The temperature unit of measurement, Centigrade or Fahrenheit, is indicated in cyan at

the right top corner of the display.
104
The PRESSURISATION page provides pack indication. Pack indication for each pack is
presented by a triangle which is normally green. PACK 1 and PACK 2 indications are
normally white. Both indications become amber when pack flow control valve is closed
with corresponding engine running.
105
CRUISE page provides zone temperature parameters in relation to air conditioning
system. The page indicates zone temperatures with the temperature scale in use (°C or
°F).
106
End of course.

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