AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL

SYSTEM
Chapter 1
Alternating Current
OBJECTIVES
1. To explain the term ‘alternating current’
(AC).
2. To define the terms describing AC.
3. To explain the principle of single-phase
and three-phase AC.
 INTRODUCTION

Alternating Current (AC): It is the current produced if the electrons flowing

in a circuit move backwards and forwards about
a mean position.
SIMPLE AC GENERATOR
A simple AC generator consists of a loop of
wire (armature) rotated in a magnetic field.
When the armature is connected to a load
through slip rings and carbon brushes, a
current will flow around the circuit.
The armature experiences a continuously
changing flux through it so that a voltage will
be induced as long as the rotation continues.
The magnitude of the voltage depends on the
speed of rotation and the field strength (rate
of change of flux).
 SIMPLE AC GENERATOR

 How the magnitude of the

voltage changes as the
armature rotates through
360°?
Working principle of an AC generator
SIMPLE AC GENERATOR

One complete revolution of

the generator armature and
the associated rise and fall
of induced voltage.
 PRODUCTION OF AC SINE WAVE

The alternating voltage produced by the AC generator

is known as sine wave or sinusoidal output.
OBJECTIVES
1. To explain the term ‘alternating current’
(AC).
2. To define the terms describing AC.
3. To explain the principle of single-phase
and three-phase AC.
CYCLE, PHASE AND PHASE SHIFT
Cycle
A: cycle is one complete series of values.
One cycle represents from 0°-360° of phase.

Phase
A: phase is an angular notation of sine wave.

Phase
AShift:
small difference between 2 waves.
 FREQUENCY
Frequency
•: The number of cycles occurring
in each second.
• Dependent upon the number of
times North and South pole pass
the armature in 1 second.
• Unit: Hertz (Hz).
• 1 cycle per second = 1 hertz

𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑅𝑃𝑀 Constant frequency AC supply systems in

𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦(𝐻𝑧)= × aircraft usually have a frequency of 400 Hz
2 60 𝑠𝑒𝑐
GENERATOR FREQUENCY
Example:
A 6-pole generator rotating at 8000 RPM will
have an output frequency of:

The frequency is dependent on:

 The rotational speed of the rotor
 The number of poles in the field
PERIOD

Period
: time it takes for 1 cycle to occur.
The
Unit: seconds (s)
1
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑑 ( 𝑇 ) =
𝑓
AMPLITUDE AND RMS VALUE
Amplitud
e maximum value attained in 1 cycle.
The

Root Mean Square (RMS)

• Value
The effective value of AC by
comparing it to DC.
• The comparison is based on the
amount of heat produced by each
current under identical conditions.
RMS Value = Peak Value x 0.707
 RMS VALUE

Explanation on how to obtain the RMS value

OBJECTIVES
1. To explain the term ‘alternating current’
(AC).
2. To define the terms describing AC.
3. To explain the principle of single-phase
and three-phase AC.
 ADVANTAGES OF AC OVER DC
Simpler and more robust in construction.

No commutation problem, more reliable at high altitude

Less maintenance required

Thinner, lighter cables can be used

Lighter weight for the same power output in DC

Operated at higher rotational speed, producing a higher output voltage

Any DC voltage can be obtained simply using transformer rectifier unit

 SINGLE PHASE AC VS
THREE PHASE AC

Single phase Three phase

AC AC
• Primary difference between single phase and three phase AC: the constancy of
delivery.
• With a three phase AC, a steady stream of power is delivered at a constant
rate, making it possible to carry more load.
THREE PHASE AC IN AIRCRAFT

High demand aircraft systems

will use all three phases for
more power than a single
phase can provide.
OBJECTIVES
1. To explain the term ‘alternating current’
(AC).
2. To define the terms describing AC.
3. To explain the principle of single-phase
and three-phase AC.
 SHORT QUIZ

QUIZ TIME!!!
NEXT CLASS
Resistors, Capacitors, Inductance coil