Introduction to Aircraft Electrical Systems and Tips to Reduce

1
Vantage Components
www.vantagecomponents.com
2
Page 02
Introduction to Aircraft Electrical Systems and
Tips to Reduce An aircraft electrical system is
a closed-loop network of components that create,
convey, spread out, and use electricity as well
as store it for future purposes. With the
exception of rudimentary aircraft models, an
electrical system is a fundamental and
indispensable component. Compared to modern
multi-engine commercial jet aircraft, light and
single-engine general aviation aircraft have an
incomparable electrical system capacity and
complexity.
3
Page 03
Fuel Consumption Electrical systems in all
aircraft are equipped with power-generating
components. Depending on the type of airplane,
either a generator or an alternator is used to
generate electrical energy. Typically, the
generator produces 28V DC, 14V DC, or
115-120V/400HZ AC. Altering the voltage or type
of current can be done with transformers,
rectifiers, or inverters, or the generator's
power can be used as is.
In most cases, the generator's output will be
sent to one or more distribution buses. The bus
supplies power to individual components and the
wiring includes a circuit breaker or fuse for
circuit protection. Additionally, the aircraft's
battery(s) are charged using the generator
output. Although lithium batteries are becoming
increasingly common, most batteries are either
lead-acid or NICAD.
4
Page 04
Electrical Systems for Basic Aircraft
One can typically achieve optimum efficiency by
utilizing one distribution bus, a sole battery,
and either an engine- driven generator or
alternator to provide DC power to the system. An
on/off switch will be added to make it possible
to separate the generator/alternator from the bus
and the battery from the bus. In the event of a
charging system failure, an ammeter, load meter,
or warning light will also be included. The bus
bar's electromechanical components will be wired
with either fuses or circuit breakers for
circuit protection. A Ground Power Unit (GPU)
can be connected to an external power source as a
supplementary battery in order to aid with
engine start-up or provide energy when the motor
is inactive.
Objectives
5
Page 05
Electrical System for Modern Aircraft The electr
ical system has been carefully constructed to
provide the pilots with clear indications of any t
hem
abnormalities or hazardous situations, allowing
ample time for appropriate corrective action.
Generator malfunction, TRU malfunction, battery
malfunction, bus malfunction, and circuit
breaker monitoring are all examples of warnings.
In case of an electrical fire, the aircraft
parts supplier will also furnish explicit steps
to separate and disconnect the power system.
6
Page 06
Lowering the Drag An aircraft's weight and fuel
consumption can be reduced and its aerodynamic
efficiency improved by lowering the lift-to-drag
ratio. Innovative designs to reduce drag are
being tested by engineers. Some concepts include
longer, thinner wings and thicker fuselages,
which improve airflow. To reduce the perturbation
of airflow around the wingtip, engineers have
designed small vertical winglets that lift air
upwards and thus diminish drag. By pushing the
plane's engine to the top of its body, closer
towards the tail, NASA is creating an idea called
"double bubble" D8 that reduces drag and
increases energy efficiency. According to
engineers, the design could cut carbon emissions
by up to 66 in two decades and use 37 less
fuel than current jets.
7
Page 07
Wiring A wide-body passenger jet can be weighed
more than 16,000 pounds by cables and wires.
Aircraft engineers are looking into the
possibility of using small, light wireless
transceivers to replace wiring in non-avionic
systems like door sensors, cabin lighting, cabin
pressure, and landing gear. The transceiver
modules could be attached to plane parts with
long-lasting batteries. The plane's electrical
system would power router-like concentrators that
the modules would send data. Tablet PCs in the
cockpit would display the pilot's required data.
8
Page08

• Contact Us
• Address 665 Union Avenue Holtsville, New York
  11742 Email info_at_vantagecomponents.com
• Website www.vantagecomponents.com Phone Number
  1-631-648-9040

Thank you