Engines Ch.7

Front 1

Describe two forms of electricity.

Back 1

Alternating current (AC)
Direct current (DC)

Front 2

Explain why AC electrical systems are preferred over a DC system.

Back 2

AC reverses its direction. Requires less current. Smaller wiring, less weight. Reliable and simple.
DC flows in one direction
DC are heavy to relative power outputs. Not reliable. Increase Maintenance.

Front 3

Explain the function of aircraft electrical system components.

Back 3

AC:
-A/C Generator/Alternator: transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy.Main source of electircal energy in aircraft.
-Inverter: an electro-mechanical device that transforms DC into AC
DC: D/C Generator
Transformer-Rectifier: an electrical device which transforms AC into DC power.
Battery: DC voltage is primarily used as a source of emergency power and for starting the engines.

Front 4

Describe the electrical distribution network.

Back 4

Bus: common distribution point for electricity
a) essential bus: routes power to equipment for flight safety
b)primary bus: routes power to equipment devoted to the aircrafts intended mission
c) monitor or secondary bus: routes power to convenience circuits
d) starter bus: routes power to start aircraft's engines
Switches/fuses/circuit breakers: used to provide manual and/or automatic control over the flow of electrical power.
Warning lights: signal system malfunctions to the aircrew.

Front 5

Describe the operation of a basic aircraft electrical system.

Back 5

Bus carries electric from power to individual systems. Switches open or close path. Circuit breakers interupt power. Fuses protect the system from overload. Warning lights tell if something is wrong.