Elecrical Power System A320 Family

Summary

This detailed transcript explains the aircraft's electrical system, including the function of integrated drive generators (IDGs), constant speed drives (CSDs), transformer rectifiers (TRs), and essential buses that power key systems. The electrical network is supplied by various sources, including the main generators, APU, external power, and emergency systems like the ram air turbine (RAT). It covers system components, controls, and backup power configurations, emphasizing the prioritization of power sources. Additionally, the roles of control units, maintenance switches, and fault indicators are discussed, ensuring a thorough understanding of the electrical network and its resilience in emergency situations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Integrated Drive Generators (IDGs) are used as the main power source for the aircraft's electrical network, consisting of a generator and constant speed drive (CSD).
• 😀 Each generator supplies 115V, 400Hz AC to its own respective bus (AC Bus 1 and AC Bus 2) in split operation, ensuring no parallel connection between the buses.
• 😀 The AC buses are connected to Transformer Rectifiers (TRs) that convert 115V AC into 28V DC for DC Bus 1 and DC Bus 2.
• 😀 The electrical system includes essential buses that supply critical aircraft systems: AC Essential Bus and DC Essential Bus.
• 😀 The system can also be powered by the APU generator, an external power source, or any one of the main power sources in split operation, with priority given to generators.
• 😀 In abnormal configurations, the Essential Transformer Rectifier (Essential TR) supplies the DC Essential Bus when TR 1 or TR 2 fails.
• 😀 The Hydraulic Ram Air Turbine (RAT) is used to drive the emergency generator during severe electrical or hydraulic failures.
• 😀 The ECAM page displays various components of the electrical system, including generators, TRs, essential buses, and battery voltage, for easy monitoring.
• 😀 The electrical panel has multiple push-button switches for controlling power sources, including the ability to isolate buses and test the emergency generator.
• 😀 The Ground Power Control Unit (GPCU) connects the external power to the aircraft network and interfaces with the maintenance system for diagnostics and fault reporting.

Q & A

What is the primary function of the Integrated Drive Generators (IDG) in an aircraft?

The primary function of the Integrated Drive Generators (IDG) is to supply power to the aircraft's electrical network. Each IDG contains a generator and a Constant Speed Drive (CSD) that ensures the generator operates at a constant speed for stable output frequency.

How do the aircraft's two main generators (Generator 1 and Generator 2) supply power?

Generator 1 supplies AC bus 1, while Generator 2 supplies AC bus 2. These generators operate in a split configuration, meaning their AC power sources are never connected in parallel to avoid interference between the power buses.

What is the purpose of the transformer rectifiers (TR1 and TR2) in the electrical system?

The transformer rectifiers (TR1 and TR2) convert 115 volts of alternating current (AC) from the AC buses into 28 volts of direct current (DC) to supply the DC buses (DC bus 1 and DC bus 2).

What happens when there is a loss of both AC buses in the aircraft's electrical system?

In case of loss of both AC buses, the essential transformer rectifier (TR) is supplied by the emergency generator, which ensures that the essential electrical network remains powered.

What is the role of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) in the aircraft's emergency electrical configuration?

The Ram Air Turbine (RAT) is deployed to provide hydraulic power to drive the emergency generator, ensuring the aircraft’s essential electrical network is supplied when both AC buses fail.

How is the AC essential bus supplied in case of abnormal or emergency situations?

The AC essential bus can be supplied by the AC essential bus itself, or in abnormal conditions, it may be powered by the static inverter, which converts DC power from the battery to AC.

What is the function of the static inverter in the aircraft's electrical system?

The static inverter converts DC power from the aircraft's battery into AC power to supply the AC essential bus when no other AC power source is available.

How does the aircraft's electrical system prioritize power supply to the buses?

The power supply to the AC buses is prioritized in the following order: the aircraft’s own generators (Generator 1 and Generator 2), external power, the APU generator, and the opposite generator. This ensures no parallel connection between AC power sources.

What is the purpose of the commercial push-button switch on the electrical panel?

The commercial push-button switch allows for the shedding of non-essential electrical loads, such as galleys, cabins, and commercial-related systems, in emergency or power-reduced configurations.

How is the aircraft's battery voltage monitored and controlled?

The battery voltage can be monitored either on the overhead panel or the ECAM page. Each battery is controlled by a push-button switch, which also allows the pilot to manage the connection of the battery to the electrical system.