M15 – GAS TURBINE ENGINE

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15.18. Auxiliary Power Units (APUs)

• Purpose,
• operation,
• protective systems
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The major advantages provided by on-board APU’s are:

• Less capital outlay for ground carts
• More consistent comfort level of passenger cabin when
aircraft is on ground
• More convenient power source for systems checkout
• Less cluttered ramp conditions around aircraft
• Fewer problems of moving ground equipment on snow-
packed ramps
• Less ramp parking problems for auxiliary equipment
• Less maintenance personnel required
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Purpose or APU Function

• Provide bleed air for engine starting

• Drive a generator and/or other customer furnished
accessory
• Provide bleed air for cabin air-conditioning
• Provide in-flight bleed air for anti-icing
• Start and operate on ground and in flight
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Purpose or APU Function

• Start and operate on ground and in flight

• Is essential or non-essential for safe operation of the
aircraft
• Operate during ground and in-flight icing conditions
• Operate during fuel-icing conditions
• Operate over a wide range of ambient temperatures and
altitudes
• Operate on standard jet fuels
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Engine Description & Operation

Main component of the APU engine is

• Gearbox Assembly
• Turbine Assembly
• Combustor Assembly
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Example of APU Cross Section

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Protective Systems

1. Pressure Differential between: Inlet and Outlet System

2. Air Inlet location

• Attention to design of the cooling air take off port to
prevent result in elevated oil, generator, and/or
compartment temperatures.
• For acoustical reasons, the APU inlet should be directed
upward, and far from cabin.
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Protective Systems

Exhaust Outlet Location

• Exhaust discharge should be directed upward and far from
cabin to minimize noise exposure of passengers and ground
crew (personnel).
• Placement of the exhaust should be avoided, to preclude the
possibility of hot the APU exhaust gases entering these
sensitive areas during any operation condition
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Effect on Aircraft CG
APU is considered an integral part of the aircraft at the
outset, placed in the best overall installation.

Acoustical and Vibratory

The APU generates vibration and radiates noise, and
mounting systems transmit vibration. so necessary to
isolate them from the passenger cabin
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Fuel System
APU location affects the length of fuel supply line resulting in
effects on weight, cost and CG location

Electrical System
APU starter battery should be located as near the APU
compartment as possible, to minimize size, weight, and length of
cable required, land the size and weight of the battery, as well as
to obtain optimum battery life and reliability.
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Bleed Air System

The bleed airflow required to operate the various pneumatic
system is high and requires large diameter ducts.
Therefore, to minimize weight, pressure and temperature
losses, a location for the APU should be selected that does
not require extensive extra lengths of ducting
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Structure
The structure must be adequate to accept the load from
the APU mounting system throughout all conditions of
flight and APU operation.
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Accessibility
Good accessibility for removal and replacement of LRUs
(Line Replaceable Units) and accessories is required.
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Fluid Drains
discharged fluids cannot enter the APU inlet or other sensitive
air frame ports
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Fire Integrity
the installation must provide a fire proof compartment or
enclosure, fire detection and extinguishing system
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Engine Noise
The APU should not be located in area where it can be
exposed to acoustic excitation levels in excess of 150 dB.
Level greater than this can produce sonic fatigue and result in
early failure of the APU or its attached components.