Airbus A320 CBT # 30 ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM PRESENTATION

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive overview of the A320 electrical system, focusing on its components and functionality. Key features include the dual engine-driven generators, integrated drive generators (IDGs), essential buses, and transformer rectifiers (TRs) that ensure reliable power distribution. The system is designed for automation, offering backup power through various sources such as the APU generator, external power, and an emergency generator. Additionally, pilots can monitor and control the system through the ECAM electrical page and overhead panel, with emergency power features ensuring continuous operation in case of failures.

Takeaways

• 😀 The A320 electrical system is designed to be automatic, user-friendly, and reliable, with components familiar to those used in other aircraft but optimized for ease of use.
• 😀 The system includes two engine-driven generators (IDGs), which supply alternating current (AC) to their respective buses, AC Bus 1 and AC Bus 2, maintaining constant speed for stability.
• 😀 The AC buses are connected to Transformer Rectifiers (TRs) that convert AC to direct current (DC) to power the DC buses, DC Bus 1 and DC Bus 2.
• 😀 DC Bus 1 feeds the DC Battery Bus, which can either charge the aircraft’s batteries or provide power from the batteries to support electrical needs.
• 😀 The AC Essential Bus is usually powered by AC Bus 1 but can switch to AC Bus 2 in the event of a failure, ensuring essential power is maintained.
• 😀 The DC Essential Bus is powered by DC Bus 1 but can switch to the DC Battery Bus for backup power if required.
• 😀 The APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) can also supply electrical power when engines are off, and its power is prioritized over external ground power.
• 😀 The electrical system includes a backup **Emergency Generator (Emer Gen)** driven by a Ram Air Turbine (RAT), which provides power in the event of a significant electrical or hydraulic failure.
• 😀 A **Static Inverter** allows the batteries to supply part of the AC network, ensuring critical systems continue to receive power during ground operations or in flight.
• 😀 Pilots can monitor and manage the electrical system through the ECAM Electrical Page and the overhead electrical control panel, with push-button switches for controlling components like batteries, generators, and external power.
• 😀 In case of failure, the Bus Tie Contactor (BTC) logic allows the system to isolate or switch between different power sources (engines, APU, external power) to maintain power distribution across the aircraft.

Q & A

What is the primary difference between the A320 electrical system and other aircraft electrical systems?

The A320 electrical system is more automated and easier to use compared to traditional aircraft systems, though the basic components, such as generators and buses, are similar.

How are the two engine-driven generators on the A320 configured?

The A320 has two engine-driven generators, each connected to its own AC bus (AC Bus 1 and AC Bus 2). These generators supply alternating current (AC) to their respective buses.

What role do the Transformer Rectifiers (TRs) play in the A320 electrical system?

The Transformer Rectifiers (TRs) convert the alternating current (AC) from the generators into direct current (DC) to supply the DC buses, ensuring that the aircraft's DC systems receive power.

What is the function of the DC Battery Bus in the A320's electrical system?

The DC Battery Bus provides a backup power source, allowing the batteries to charge or supply power to the DC system as needed. It also connects the DC buses to ensure redundancy in power supply.

How does the A320 electrical system ensure redundancy in the event of a generator failure?

In case of a failure of one generator, the system can switch to alternative power sources, including the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit), emergency generator, or battery power, depending on the scenario.

What is the purpose of the Bus Tie Contactor (BTC) in the A320 electrical system?

The Bus Tie Contactor (BTC) ensures that only one generator, either engine-driven or APU, powers the AC buses at any given time, allowing for flexibility and preventing overloads. It also manages power transfer from external sources when on the ground.

How does the AC Essential Bus function during power failures?

The AC Essential Bus is normally supplied by AC Bus 1. If AC Bus 1 fails, AC Bus 2 automatically takes over to ensure continuous power to essential systems.

What is the emergency power setup for the A320 in case of severe electrical or hydraulic failures?

In severe electrical or hydraulic failures, the A320 uses a hydraulically driven emergency generator (Emer Gen) powered by a ram air turbine (RAT) located in the belly fairing to provide essential power.

How does the static inverter contribute to the A320 electrical system?

The static inverter allows the batteries to supply part of the AC network when only battery power is available, both on the ground and in flight, ensuring that essential systems remain powered during emergency conditions.

What role does the ECAM electrical page play for pilots?

The ECAM electrical page displays vital information about the electrical system, such as voltage, current, load, frequency, and temperature for key components. It helps pilots monitor the health of the electrical system and make informed decisions.