Aircraft Electrical and Electronic Principles

Collegiate Airways Apprenticeship Training

Student: Murray Shaw

Submitted to:
Word Count: Ross Cairns
Plagiarism (%):
Contents
Project Introduction................................................................................................................. 2
Primary Electrical Sources........................................................................................................2
AC generator theory.............................................................................................................2
Airbus A380.......................................................................................................................... 2
Power Factor Correction.......................................................................................................... 2
Theory and benefits............................................................................................................. 2
Worked example.................................................................................................................. 2
Auxiliary Power Sources...........................................................................................................2
Batteries............................................................................................................................... 2
Lead-acid.............................................................................................................................. 2
Ni-cad................................................................................................................................... 2
Li-lion.................................................................................................................................... 3
APU.......................................................................................................................................3
RAT....................................................................................................................................... 3
Ground Power...................................................................................................................... 4
................................................................................................................................................. 4
Conclusion................................................................................................................................ 4
References................................................................................................................................4
Project Introduction

Primary Electrical Sources

AC generator theory
Single-Phase electricity on aircraft can be generated by using a single-phase generator, the
stator of the single-phase generator is made up from five coils of insulated wire which are
located in between the slots of the core in the generator. The coils are connected in series
to allow the stator to wind which will generate an output voltage. The north and south pole
rotor makes a field that is connected to a DC supply by using sliprings and brushes. By
adding more poles to the generator, we can produce more cycles of output voltage for one
revolution of the rotor, which will therefore increase the amount of voltage produced by the
single-phase electricity.

A three-phase generator has three different stator windings connecting to the north and
south pole rotor. The output voltages that are produced by a three-phase generator are
spaced out by 120 degrees which will allow for more efficient power transmission and
distribution. Both single-phase and three-phase generators rely on the generation of the
rotating magnetic field produced by the stators and the poles. The rotating fields caused by
this is what allows the generators motor to turn which therefore allows both the generators
to generate power.

Airbus
A380
Power Factor Correction
Theory and benefits
Worked example.

Auxiliary Power Sources

Batteries

Lead-acid
Lead-acid batteries are used as the main batteries within an aircraft, lead-acid batteries
contain an anode which is made up from lead oxide and another type of lead which has
been submerged in a type of sulfuric acid solution, in certain cases the electrolyte is lowered
into the silica cell, or it has been mixed with fibre glass to allow the battery to be non-
spillable. Lead-acid batteries have great storage for energy and power properties, but they
are also extremely heavy for a battery and the energy density is quite low. This type of
battery is a secondary cell battery because as the chemical reaction occurs between the lead
and sulfuric solution can be reversible so the battery can be recharged and used again.

Ni-cad
Ni-cad batteries also known as Nickel cadmium, the cells of this battery have an anode made
up from materials like cadmium hydroxide and a cathode of nickel hydroxide that has been
submerged in an electrolyte which consists of potassium, sodium and lithium hydroxides.
Ni-cad batteries are typically low maintenance and can be operated at many different
temperatures. One disadvantage towards Ni-cad batteries is that they are extremely heavy
due to the materials used in them. Ni-cad batteries can be used on multiple different
aeroplanes that include main aircraft batteries. Ni-cad batteries are classed as secondary
batteries as the reactions caused can be reversed.
Li-lion
Lithium-ion batteries can also be classified as secondary batteries like lead-acid and Ni-cad
as they are rechargeable. Their cells have an anode made up from graphite and a cathode
made up from lithium manganese oxide so that lithium ions can be repeatably released for
charging and so that they can also be realised quickly for high current. A non-aqueous
electrolyte is used it has a mix of different organic carbonates. To charge or discharge a Li-
lion battery an exchange of lithium ions and electrodes happen. The cell output of this
battery tends to run from 3-4.2 volts depending on the materials used in the process of
making the cathode.

APU
An APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) is a little gas turbine engine located at the back end of an
aircraft, it provides electrical and mechanical power to start up the power for the main
engines, it also supplies pneumatic power for air conditioning systems inside in the cabin.
Along with shaft power to supply other hydraulic and pneumatic systems located in the
aircraft. In the case of an emergency the APU also supplies backup electrical and pneumatic
power for in flight systems. The APU also provides power for when the engines are shut
down for ground operations.

RAT
An RAT (Ram air turbine) is a little turbine located under the fuselage or wing, it is used as a
power source to provide hydraulic or electrical power in an emergency. It provides power to
a hydraulic pump or electrical generator by using the speed of the aircraft to generate
power. RAT are usually only used when the aircraft has a loss in primary electrical
generation or hydraulic systems, the RAT will power systems such as navigation,
Communication and flight controls in the case of an emergency.

Ground Power
An GPU (Ground Power Unit) is an electrical device that allows an aircraft to be powered
whilst on the ground, it can be either a mobile or fixed electrical unit, it will provide 120v AC
or 28V DC power when on the ground. GPUs are usually consisted of a diesel-powered
generator but there are many different types.

Ion-exchange equations

Conclusion

References