Aircraft Electrical Systems Flashcards

In a typical aircraft AC electrical system, what is the primary function of a Constant Speed Drive (CSD) unit?

Answer: To maintain a constant frequency output from the AC generator regardless of engine RPM changes.

AC generators (alternators) must rotate at a specific, constant speed to produce alternating current at a constant frequency (typically 400 Hz for aircraft). Since the engine's accessory gearbox speed varies with engine RPM, the CSD uses a hydro-mechanical transmission to ensure the generator it drives maintains this constant speed, thus ensuring a stable frequency output.

A technician is troubleshooting a nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery that has experienced thermal runaway. Which of the following conditions is a primary contributor to this phenomenon?

Answer: High charging current combined with high battery temperature.

Thermal runaway in a Ni-Cd battery is a dangerous condition where heat generates more heat in a self-sustaining cycle. It occurs when a battery gets hot, which lowers its internal resistance. If it is connected to a constant voltage charging source, this lower resistance causes it to draw more current, which in turn creates more heat, further lowering resistance and drawing even more current until the battery is destroyed.

What is the function of a static inverter in an aircraft electrical system?

Answer: To convert DC power from a battery or DC bus into AC power.

A static inverter is a solid-state electronic device that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). This is essential on many aircraft to power instruments and systems that require AC power when the main AC generators are offline, using the aircraft's battery or a DC bus as the source.

An aircraft's electrical schematic shows several components, including generators, batteries, and various avionics, all connected to a central conductor. What is this primary distribution point called?

Answer: A bus bar

A bus bar is a metallic strip or bar that serves as a common connection point for multiple electrical circuits. In an aircraft, it is the central point for distributing power from the sources (like generators and batteries) to the various loads (lights, avionics, motors, etc.).

When comparing circuit protection devices in an aircraft, what is a key advantage of a circuit breaker over a fuse?

Answer: Circuit breakers can be reset after tripping, while a fuse must be replaced.

The primary operational advantage of a circuit breaker is its ability to be reset after it has tripped due to an overcurrent condition. A fuse is a one-time use device; once it blows, it must be physically replaced. This reset capability is crucial in an aviation environment.

During a pre-flight inspection on an aircraft with a DC electrical system, a pilot notices that the ammeter shows a large, momentary positive charge immediately after engine start, which then reduces to a smaller positive value. This indicates:

Answer: The battery is being properly recharged by the generator after supplying starting power.

After starting the engine, the battery is in a discharged state from the high current draw of the starter motor. The ammeter shows the flow of current. A large positive reading indicates that the generator (or alternator) is online and delivering a high charging current to replenish the battery. As the battery charges, its opposing voltage increases, and the charging current tapers off to a lower value, which is exactly what the scenario describes.